Oui, mais... (2001) - film review

17 years old, Eglantine finds herself confronted by problems she no longer feels able to cope with.  At home, she is traumatised by her self-pitying mother who turns to alcholism whilst her father is away pursuing extra-marital affairs.  At college, she is under peer-pressure to have sex – which she resists, in spite of the fact that her boyfriend Sébastien is only to eager to oblige her.  Desperate, Eglantine turns to a kindly psychiatrist, Moenner, who offers her a course of therapy.

Whilst not as polished a work as it perhaps needs to make an impact, Oui, mais (Yves Lavandier’s first full-length film) provides a sensitive and credible portrayal of adolescent vulnerability.  Emilie Dequenne’s performance is far from faultless but the young actress shows some talent and maturity.  In particular, her scenes with Gérard Jugnot (brilliantly cast against type) are intense, funny and poignant - often at the same time.

The film’s big drawbacks are the lacklustre contribution from the supporting cast and a painfully uneven narrative style.   Whilst it is easy to find fault with this film, it is not without its charms, and the opening part of the film (with Jugnot speaking to camera) works very well.  It is also apparent that Yves Lavandier is a director with flair, imagination and an eye for detail, who appears to have the potential to leave his mark on French cinema.

© James Travers 2003

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