Les Choses de la vie (1969) - film review

A middle-aged man, Pierre, is involved in a serious car accident.  As he lies on the ground, paralysed, he recalls his recent life.  He remembers that he was planning to move to Tunisia, to start a new life.  He remembers breaking up with his current girlfriend, Hélène, unable to cope with the pressure of the relationship.  Then he remembers the tragic train of events which led to the car accident...

Although the subject matter of this film is a tad on the soppy side for a quality French romantic drama, the way in which the film is shot and constructed manages to overcome this apparent flaw.  If the film had been told is in a strictly linear way, it would probably have fallen flat and might resemble a rather cheap and tacky American tragic love story affair of the worst kind.

Fortunately, the structure of Les Choses de la vie is anything but linear, and therein lies its strength.  The story is told almost in reverse, with a brilliantly assembled montage of flashbacks, and sometimes flashbacks within flashbacks.  This is a trick that cannot be used too often in cinema, but when used judiciously, and with a good reason, as in this film, the effect can be very impressive.

Claude Sautet is renowned for his intensely moving romantic dramas, films which show a profound compassion for and understanding of human relationships. Les Choses de la vie is one such film, where the poignancy of the story is heightened by the presence of two exceptional actors, Michel Piccoli and Romy Schneider.  Although Piccoli is flat on his back for a large portion of this film, he gives one of his best screen performances and he is perfectly cast as the ill-fated Pierre.

© James Travers 2000

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The best love story ever made in France, together with the best music score, perfect artistry of Piccoli and Schneider... Marvellous !
Mario Patti (Salvador, Bahia, Brazil)

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