By the Sea

I could be one of the few to actually not only like but LOVE this film. The movie conveyed a simple common plot that encounters many couples but it conveyed through the most beautiful cinematography and magnificent scenery which in a way reflected the movie's aspects. I was instantly in love with the film's aesthetic and colors that grabbed by instant attention once the film rolled it opening credits. We rarely find nowadays films that carry such a simple issue told gradually through dramatic and grieving episodes provided from the characters which kept us on edge. And what made me think that this movie can be considered a one of a kind is the way the story was told. I love how they didn't hand out the the reason of the couple's misery right way but instead told us in pieces and eventually spilling the beans at they very end. Overall, the movie was absolutely beautiful with the most amazing breathtaking scenery and color. Not to mention the wonderful dramatic thrilling acting of Angelina Jolie Pitt and Brad Pitt that depicted the intense misery of the couple.

Located in a remote resort in France (but shot on Gozo in Malta), this story is located in the 1970s, so no computers or smartphones and lots of smoking and drinking plus a veteran sport car.

The focus is almost exclusively on a married couple who clearly have a very strained relationship for a reason which is only explained - and then too briefly - at the very end. The pacing is languid, even soporific, and there is only one person to blame: Angelina Jolie who wrote, directed and stars as an unsympathetic character.

Her co-star as husband is her real-life partner at the time Brad Pitt. Sadly this film seems prophetic since Jolie and Pitt split up soon afterwards and both the movie and its afterward seem to echo "Eyes Wide Shut" with then husband and wife Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.

My wife and I opted to watch this film, despite the many negative reviews, as we had just returned from a wonderful holiday in Gozo, Malta, where this "French set" film was actually filmed and thought it would be nice to see familiar scenery and locations.

We were both surprised at how much we ended up enjoying the film and the narrative. It is beautifully shot with great attention to detail, especially regarding the interiors and the fashion.

It plays like a subtle, engaging, independent French movie, that, for better or worse, has two Hollywood stars in lead roles. Had it not, I am convinced it would have earned much more positive attention. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt play their roles well, but if you dislike either, it may cloud your judgement and you will not like this film.

Watch with a positive mind :)

I won't say what everyone else has said about this film. What I will say is that it was a beautiful portrayal of some of the darker emotions in life.

Maybe others hate to see their own loneliness on screen, by two actors they've deemed unworthy before they've even watched it, or they have never experienced themselves the emotions portrayed in this film.

Melancholia is the last film I can remember portraying depression accurately. This film is the same, though it's not as simple as, she has depression or she is lonely. Her character was real to me and Angelina portrayed her well.

If you've ever met someone and loved them more than they love themselves and despite their own thoughts of themselves then maybe you will feel something when you watch this. If not, there are plenty more films out there for you that require a lot less emotional range.

In the 70's, writer Roland (Brad Pitt) and former dancer Vanessa (Angelina Jolie) are in a tired marriage. They hope to rekindle their relationship and his writing in a small seaside town in the south of France. She finds a peep hole and obsesses over their next door neighbor especially Léa (Mélanie Laurent).

Angelina Jolie continues to try to be a real filmmaker. She seems competent as a director. I don't see any outstanding style but her work is functional. The acting is tired although that's their characters. Her depression needs to be over-dramatized. When depression is depressed, it's depressing to watch. That's mostly in the writing and I don't think Jolie is a good writer. She may have fair concepts but her dialogue does not sing. The flow is stuck in mud. The plot could have gone somewhere compelling. She needs to collaborate with a better writer who could help her work. This has potential but Jolie lacks the skills to exploit.