Ce soir ou jamais

I'm really surprised that no one commented about this film. "Ce Soir ou Jamais" (Tonight or Never) is an early film by Michel Deville, unfortunately the only Michel Deville film that I've watched. I saw it a long time ago and don't remember much. "Ce Soir ou Jamais" tells the story of a group of young friends (mostly couples) their relationships, their crises. It all culminates in a long party where games are played and feelings explode. The film is "Nouvelle Vague" at its best. The action flows, dialogues are natural, the cinematography and acting are outstanding and Deville doesn't try to reach conclusions or preach morals. We see people with their doubts and their social disguises, in short, life is shown as it is.

Anna Karina is the light that shines in "Ce Soir ou Jamais". She smiles, she dances, she's ecstatic, she's sad, she cries and has nervous breakdowns - all in one. She's a wonderful actress and human being and it's very interesting seeing Anna Karina in a film not directed by Godard.

Anyway this is an excellent film, maybe not an intellectual one. "Ce Soir ou Jamais" could be called perhaps light comedy, but it is in reality a film that makes us think about ourselves and our relationship with the others.

Not much story here, but still a sophisticated, subtly sensual, entertaining talkathon, set entirely inside a Parisian apartment and unfolding in real time, but directed with enough camera fluidity that the viewer never feels trapped. It is also a celebration of female beauty, and a great showcase for Anna Karina in particular who, in one of her first roles, is childlike, seductive, mysterious and funny (to quote a scene in the film itself). Though - and that's a matter of personal preference for stronger bodies - I find Jacqueline Danno (Martine) even sexier. *** out of 4.