Las noches salvajes

For a movie about how AIDS affects a person, his behavior, and the compounded effects on those around him, one might expect the film to play the emotions of the viewer in an obvious way. However I must say I was engrossed from the beginning to shortly before the end by the film, never having the opportunity to distance myself and view the scene or action as a critic, dissecting what the director's intent was. I was very pleased.

...but pictures a completely different perspective on HIV and AIDS. No supportive family here. No struggle with society for it to acknowledge on our humanity, regardless of sexual preference or health status. This picture is an invaluable reference for all those trying to understand terminal disease -AIDS in particular- or in the process of facing death. Just seems important to mention that Collard's actual treatments were filmed and included on the final cut. The bouncing around of high-low's, from absolute certainty of overcoming the disease to deep depression and sending everything -love included- straight to hell. But also the dangerous and sometimes silly sense of humor with which the director plays his role, is what makes this movie invaluable to me. To my knowledge this is the first film in which HIV positive blood is used as a defensive weapon, and saves the life of two of the characters. I sincerely hope that there is some form of afterlife, and that they have cable. Collard deserves to know he was, is, deeply appreciated, as so many others who where "cheated" out of time, to see their work achieve recognition. One is what one does, they say.

When I saw it for the first time on 1st Russian Channel ORT in The Gold Collection I was so impressed I couldn't talk about it. This movie really changed me, changed the way I felt about myself & the world around. Cyril have done really great job to help people understand that there are other colours in this world besides black & white and sometimes people are learning a lot even if hurts to live. I remember 2 interesting quotes: the 1st is from Del Amitri song: "When U driving with your breakes on, when U swimming with your boots on - it's really hard to say U love someone, it's really hard to say U don't." And the 2nd is (somebody wrote once): everything that doesn't kill me - makes me stronger. Unfortunately we can't use it literally in this case. But it's the same situation with all heroes - they die young & became famous. Another thing I'd like to say is: has anyone ever tried to compare Cyril Collard's "Les Nuits Fauves" and Gregg Araki's 'The Living End"? I mean these 2 pictures are quite different but I felt both of it are really personal & chamber. And acting, editing, directing & filming I think has a lot in common. But the end in "Les Nuits Fauves" I like more. And the music is just great. It's not really professional but it makes it more touching. Thank U for reading this comment.

Many films are described as "true life dramas". but this is the one if ever there was one. The central character Jean (Cyril Collard) a hedonistic young film producer who engages in sex with both men and women mirrors the real life story of Cyril Collard who was suffering from the AIDS virus during the making of this film and succumbed to it when the film was finished. This is a great shame because obviously Cyril Collard has lots of talent both as actor and producer, and had he lived we could have enjoyed a whole lot of top quality films. This film starts on a quiet note but gathers strength after Jean reveals he is suffering from AIDS. His girl friend Laura is shocked at the revelation as they had been engaged in unprotected sex. Wild scenes of erratic and uncontrolled behaviour indicate the frustrations of the couple. His outburst "I don't want to die!" is a high point and her constant appeal to him to give up his male contacts bears little fruit. "Help me to leave you!" is her pathetic cry. Cyril Collard has a great charm and infectious smile which he uses to advantage in his characterisation of Jean. It is a powerful drama with a constant feeling of desperation as we the viewers anticipate the fatal outcome. Not a film to cheer you up after a hard day, but it has a frightening authenticity about it which compels you to watch it to the end. The film clearly makes the point that we have a responsibility re the health of others beyond our own self satisfaction.

Cyril Collard, French actor/director who in 1993 (one year after this release) died of AIDS at 35, made this unique movie in which the emotional burden of a HIV-positive person is perfectly evoked (supposed it's possible). Some scenes are notable (beautiful Paris-la-nuit views), others are less, but anyway it's worth watching it in video, better by yourself alone and thinking seriously about life,love and,ultimately, what's the sense of it ALL! If you want to have a good time, don't rent it! Just in case you feel like you're fixing to die.....:)