Arrête ou je continue

Or is it "live together"? This right here is a strange mix, about a couple that seems to have lost its touch to each other. It can be considered a comedy (as it is described here), but it also feels very much like a drama. It's hard to comprehend and there is not really much of a "movie" feel to it. The "relationship" feels real. If you didn't know any better, you'd think those two were actually an item. Like this wasn't a movie at all, but reality.

What I'm trying to say, the actors convey the superb story very convincing. That is why they are known people in France (and maybe to you too, if you watch french movies in general). Sometimes after the middle of the movie, it seems like it loses its focus, but that is not true at all, which you are reminded of, when the movie picks up its pace again and there is "meeting up" ... more like a clash. A look into the future of a possible outcome for married couples? A bleak or a happy one though? Or just a mediocre one ... you'll have to watch to find out ...

I found this watchable and the two leads both made for compelling scenes, but there was still something lacking for me. I can't quite put my finger on it. Strangely, my desire to find the missing piece in the film mirrors the desire for the two leads to discover what it is that is missing in their relationship; something that they once had, but then one day they wake up and realise they lost whatever it was, but don't know when.

The movie is loaded with imagery. I've rarely seen so much in one film, and I reckon if I watched it again I'd spot dozens more. I don't want to give out any spoilers so won't mention what or where in the movie, but suggest if you've not watched it yet, that you play I-Spy with the comparisons between the mis-en-scene and the state of their relationship on both an individual basis and as a couple. Hats off to the director for this as I found it worked very well and added a poignancy to the film that was portrayed without the use of language or deliberate action.

This little French film from Film Movement was originally called "Arrête ou je continue" (Stop or I'll continue): now it is IF YOU WON'T' I WILL.' It seems many viewers are missing the point of this very delicately composed eulogy on marriage. Written and directed by Sophie Fillières this is one of the more sensitive examinations of prolonged relationships or marriages whose glow has dimmed and needs to alter. Others have shown the bitter finality of divorce, the distancing that can end in mental and even physical abuse – exit paths for marriage. But this little exquisite film has the ability to observe the increasingly flattening of response to a couple as they find the spark of sensuality has faded along with the maturing of children and allowing their lives to supersede that of the couple's togetherness.

Pomme (Emmanuelle Devos) and Pierre (Mathieu Amalric) have been together a long time. Passion and spontaneity have given way to predictability and cold shoulders. On a hike together one afternoon, Pomme declares her independence by deciding to stay in the woods rather than return to an underwhelming life with Pierre. Pierre tries to get back to normal, despite his worry over her whereabouts and the indelible sense that he's missing his better half. Meanwhile, Pomme begins an extended meditation in the forest on where her own life should go next, with or without Pierre. In the end, both are left to contemplate the strength and meaning of each other's commitment.

If viewers find the film dissociative and lacking focus in the beginning – many feel they just don't understand what the film is doing at first – then that is likely the point Sophie Fillières is making: those little moments of chipping away at the bond of marriage that if unheeded result in fractures and dissolution are subtle. But with the assistance of both Devos and Amalric as the couple the film makes its poignant point extraordinarily well.

"If You Don't, I Will" (2014 release from France; 102 min.; original title "Arrête ou je continue", "Stop or I'll Continue") brings the story of a couple, Pierre (played by Mathieu Amalric) and Pomme (played by Emmanuelle Devos). As the movie opens, we see the couple at the opening of an exhibition and it's not long before they are arguing, and arguing some more, over the littlest and pettiest things. Along the way we also get to know Pomme's college-going son (from an earlier marriage), as well as Mellie, Pierre's female friend who might have a strong interest in him. We also find out that Pomme is recovering from a benign brain tumor. Amidst all that bickering and arguing, life goes on, one weekend Pierre and Pomme go on a hike in the Chamoiselle forest (near Lyon). Imagine Pierre's shock when at the end of the hike, Pomme announces she is staying behind in the forest. How long will Pomme stay in the forest? Is this the end of the marriage? To tell you more would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.

Couple of comments: this is the latest film from French writer-director Sophie Fillières, and this time she tackles a hapless topic: how do couples manage in a loveless and bored marriage? She captures the mood perfectly on a number of occasions when Pierre and Pomme don't know how to carry on the conversation (if they are not arguing) and an awkward silence takes over. When Pomme decides to remain in the forest, there is a completely different type of silence, a liberating silence that is augmented by chirping birds and other animal sounds. I couldn't help but think back to a play from the French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre over 50 years ago when Sartre observed "L'enfer, c'est les autres" ("hell is the others"). This is not always an easy movie to watch, as the problems between Pierre and Pomme are profound and not easily fixable (if at all). Both lead stars give brilliant performances, but a special kudos for Emmanuelle Devos (you may remember her from "Coco Before Chanel").

This movie is the March, 2015 release of the Film Movement DVD-of-the-Month Club (which is how I got to see it). As always, the DVD comes with a bonus shortie, and this time we get "Driving Lessons" (2014 release from Belgium; 14 min.) where a 17 yr. old girl is required to take her grandmother along to her driving lessons... Just watch! Meanwhile, if you are in the mood for a tough marriage drama, this movie is just for you. "If you Don't, I Will" is a welcome addition to the ever-growing Film Movement library of foreign and indie movies.