A simple construction, as if Louis Malle had not gloried in the grace and beauty of Jeanne Moreau quite enough in Lift To The Scaffold. Stripped back to basic elements, so that nothing can obstruct his view of her. He forms a necklace to circle her, of three faces of man, as a way to focus more fully on her. I'm in complete agreement with this treatment. She is worthy of the pedestal upon which he places her. Finally, Malle forgets the story altogether and makes moving paintings, and it is gloriously romantic.

Whilst this has none of the strident, striving attempts at blatant difference......-ness of 60s New Wave. This complete gear change shows a director imbued with a similar purpose to find originality and to be brave in his choices. As I say this is a pure storyline; refining a love story into its components, until the lady finds the truest part of it. The men represent different facets of masculinity and masculine love, but they remain peripheral. Malle lets us see the faults without commenting, and Moreau's wants and needs are front and centre. The camera will not leave her. It is stubborn about it.

Here is a movie with the ambition to attempt to define true love, as an eternal entity waiting for two people to find each other. Despite the impossibility, or the fantasy, of what occurs, it's thesis is that once you find that love, there is nothing else. As such this movie is in praise and adoration of an important emotion. Instead of any attempt at subterfuge, the lovers flaunt their connection and are impatient with any obstruction to their affection. It's a divine fantasy; stunningly bold and breath-taking. It's logic is that love absolutely cannot be denied. There may be many manifestos in many films. I'm unsure if I have seen one as important as this. I am sure I have never seen one written this clearly.

Precious. Extraordinary.

They set off on a long journey, aware of its uncertainties, unsure whether they would recapture the happiness of that first night. Already, in the treacherous early hours Jeanne doubted herself. She was afraid, but she had no regrets. FIN