Plein sud (1981) - film review

A philosophy professor, Serge Laine, is about to catch a train to Barcelona, where he plans to have a second honeymoon with his wife and attend a university conference.  His plans are abruptly derailed when he meets and is seduced by an attractive strange woman, Caroline.  Serge is too overwhelmed by his passion for his new lover to stop and question who she is or what her motives are...

Plein Sud is a captivating romantic black comedy which offers a perceptive depiction of the capacity of an intense amorous passion to take over an otherwise humdrum life.  Serge Laine’s obsessive desire for his mysterious lover provides the film with its intoxicating sense of intrigue, as well as affording some sublime moments of black comedy.

Patrick Dewaere is ideally cast as the mild-mannered professor whose world is violently turned upside down – the kind of sympathetic schizophrenic role which this actor excels in.  Opposite him is the alluringly seductive Clio Goldsmith, offering an equally impressive performance as the vampish and multi-faceted Caroline.

Having the central characters more or less stranded in Spain because of political upheavals in France (ultimately leading to civil war!) is a nice satirical touch.  We are also treated to an enigmatic cameo performance from that perennial favourite, Jeanne Moreau.

© James Travers 2000

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