Summary
This is the story of an attractive cabaret singer, Lola, who has been having casual relationships
with men (the latest an American serviceman) whilst pining for her husband, who has been
missing for seven years. Her world appears content until she meets up with a childhood
friend, Roland, who, lonely and depressed, falls in love with her. Whilst there
is evidently a mutual attraction between Lola and Roland, Lola remains true to her first
love, even though there appears to be little chance of him ever returning to her.
Or is there...?
Review
This is a quaint film, in the mould of the New Wave in which director Jacques Demy was
to thrive. The film has a flowing, almost lyrical quality, which is a pleasure to
watch. There are fine performances from Anouk Aimée and Marc Michel, respectively
Lola and Roland, and the direction and photography are quite masterful. Throughout
the film, one feels that one is sailing leisurely along in the white Cadillac of the mysterious
stranger which opens the film.
Nevertheless, the characterisation is a little weak, probably because Demy has placed
a greater reliance on the visuals than the script to tell the story. In particular,
the character of Lola remains something of a mystery, and it is difficult to reconcile
her reluctance to form a relationship with Roland when she has no qualms about inviting
an American serviceman into her bedroom.
Still, this is a pleasing film to watch and one that is very, very evocative of the New
Wave era of French cinema.
© James Travers 2006
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