Film Review
1993 saw the release of a pair of films by Alais Resnais entitled
Smoking / No Smoking which showed us two
possible outcomes arising from a single decision.
Notre univers impitoyable employs a
similar narrative device but instead of two self-contained films we have one, in which
the two alternative realities run alongside each other. On the face of it,
this sounds like a brilliant idea, but the difficulties of
flitting between two parallel universes quickly become
apparent when you watch the film and struggle to untangle the
two storylines in your increasingly muddled head. Very quickly, the film
becomes incoherent and the two stories soon merge into a confusing and irritating mess.
That, however, is not the film's biggest failing...
What is most disappointing about this film is that it falls back on the
most tired clichés imaginable, revealing a breathtaking lack of
imagination in the screenwriting. The career girl allows herself
to be seduced by her predatory older boss; the career boy succumbs to
the irresistible lure of his secretary and fast cars. The
performances are generally of a high standard (apart from Lhermitte who, yet again, is
woefully miscast) but these are undermined by some weak characterisation
and the fact that neither of the lead characters is remotely
sympathetic.
The film was directed by Léa Fazer, who, its faults not
withstanding, shows considerable promise as an original
filmmaker. As in her previous, début, film,
Bienvenue en Suisse (2004), Fazer
succeeds in creating a world that matches the subject of her film -
here the cold, impersonal and insincere world of office politics and
career junkies. Unfortunately, this grimly cynical mood and
lacklustre setting merely aggravate the film's lack of charm and create
an impression of a depressing lack of substance. On
a sad note, one principal cast member, Jocelyn Quivrin, died in a road
accident the year after the film was released. Fazer would dedicate
a subsequent film to him, based on his experience of working with
Eric Rohmer,
Maestro (2014).
© James Travers 2008
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Next Léa Fazer film:
Ensemble c'est trop (2010)
Film Synopsis
Margot and Victor would appear to be the perfect couple. They
share not only their private life but also work together in the same
prestigious law firm. They could not be happier - until the day
when their head of department dies. Both find themselves
candidates for his replacement, and both are determined to get the
job. As they wait for the critical decision to be made, Margot
and Victor reflect on how the promotion will affect their future
lives. Could it spell the end of their relationship...?
© James Travers
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.