Clara et moi

It's wonderful when you see a love story on screen that hits the right notes. Julie Gayet and Julien Boisselier are very believable as a modern couple going through the ups and downs of a relationship... until something fundamental arises to test the very foundations of their love.. The director, Arnaud Viard shows the relationship's progression, from their very first meeting on the metro, to their first date, first fight, so forth, The film's dialogue, in its simplicity, while possessing a great originality, speaks honestly about how men and women communicate in the modern world....and there are many light-hearted scenes where they dance and burst into song which are very charmingly done.

But the film takes a serious tone midway through and the couple is forced into a major decision. I think the surprise of this serious issue is a major plot point in the film and won't ruin it for anyone (although previous comments have already addressed this). Viard surprises you with this plot point. You don't expect it and it drives the movie forward.

Overall, the film very well integrates this fairy tale notion many have of finding a perfect mate, to marry and start a family,..etc... with the problems and dilemmas of modern life, and I think the film very realistically portrays a couple awakening to the true idea of what it is meant to love someone. As love stories go, I can't think of many offhand that can do that.

It could have been the umpteenth boring French film about a couple in the thirty-something crisis. And it may be just that if you only care for guns and gooey monsters. But for viewers with a heart, "Clara and I" strikes a rare string.

The action is indeed minimal : they fall in love, and out of love. But it's been a while since a loving couple was such a perfect match, an obvious pair radiating charm and the magic of being in love. Throughout the film, the same elegance pervades : no painful explanations, no literary despairs, no hysterics. Life as pure as if it had been distilled.

Julien Boissellier, the main actor, doesn't look like much but he just might be the next big thing in French movies, with the discreet intensity of a Trintignant. Canadian viewers will remember Julie Gayet from "Chaos and Desire". The lightning and the camera work are superbly intelligent. The score features the new French scene with songs by Biolay and Katherine.

Go see this movie for the first half, which will make you want to fall in love. Go see this movie if you like Sautet and Truffaut and Ozu. Go see this movie because it was shot on digital and yet it's warm and sensitive. Go see this movie, if you have a heart.

Clara et moi. Directed by Arnaud Viad. ***1/2

Probably, one of the best romantic films in the past ten years.

There are a few bunch of films that still can surprise you. Films made with a very small budget, no FX, and no twists or violence on them. Films without any sex on them but that can be very erotic and intense. "Clara et moi" is one of those films. I'm so grateful I've found it.

Praise should go to Viad, who wrote a delightful screenplay: it is so tender, yet it never gets corny; it is powerful, yet it does not sound overworked. Viad's fine direction, along with the gorgeous Digital Video photography (I'm not kidding, the film looks GREAT) are proof that you can have emotional depth and formal beauty on contemporary cinema. Viad's realistic approach knocks you out, because the feelings and emotions portrayed in the film become so truthful and intense.

Praise should go to the sensational leading couple. Julien and Julie are in their very fine shape. Wow! It is one of the finest chemistry and attraction that has been ever brought to the screen. J.Lo and Ben should learn something from them! I hope they (Julien and Julie, of course) get some nods at the Cesars, next year.

Don't miss it! You will deeply regret if you do so.

9/10

I'm more than happy to agree with and endorse the only two comments that have so far been posted for this deceptive soufflé laced with shrapnel. This is the third film this year in which I've seen Julien Boisselier but the other two (Je m'en sen pas belle - I Don't Feel Pretty, and 'Tout Le Plaisir est pour moi - The Pleasure's All Mine) are unlikely to be shown outside France and he's clearly a more than competent light comedian cum romantic leading man. The chemistry between him and Julie Gayet has to be seen to be believed, Viard often shoots them in close up just looking at each other and it's impossible not to believe they aren't really in love. For his first movie Arnaud Viard has chosen a tried and true subject, Romance for young adults that in the wrong hands could go terribly wrong resulting in embarrassment all round but he brings it off superbly taking it into the class of one of those movies you wish would never end plus, to his great credit, he has avoided the happy ending and in so doing reminded us of what bittersweet really means. 9/10

Enough has been said on the usual topics, above. (Acting, script, filming, dialogs). I could repeat, but basta!! Instead, let me add another perspective. Which is not often dwelt on here in these IMDb columns, as probably most of the users are " young". This is the view of the " aging film lover" (me). "Clara et Moi" is the unique film, in its kind, by which I mean, a love story on a couple of , say, around 25-30, that not only gave me tears in my eye, but also made me long returning to the age when it was still possible to meet a person and fall in love with her (him) , in a way suitable with that age. Being well over 50, this is virtually impossible, if it were only for all you have experienced already. This gives credit to the incredible " chemistry" between the 2 actors. In its emotional impact on me I compare this one to Lost In TRanslation (Coppola, with Bill and Scarlett) . LIT showed me the potential of bridging the age gap between understanding people. Clara et Moi makes one regret not being young anymore...enough said !! See another action flick !!