Claude Sautet’s 1972 romantic drama pits obnoxious salesman César (Yves Montand) against reserved artist David (Sami Frey) as they vie for the affections of Rosalie (Romy Schneider).
This premise and the somewhat archetypal characters have been seen in countless mainstream ‘rom-coms’ (to put this in context replace César with Hugh Grant and David with Colin Firth and you’ve basically got Bridget Jone’s Diary). However the film strives for drama over comedy and more than anything is in fact a character study of Montand’s troubled César as he is torn between jealousy and an overwhelming desire to make Rosalie happy.
Although Rosalie is the essential pivot of the film and its plot Romy Schneider’s character feels underdeveloped with only a few scenes without her suitors in which the audience can begin to understand her real feelings and motivations.
While the majority of the film plays out as one might expect, with a series of confrontations, outbursts and retaliations, the final half-hour sees an interesting new development as the three characters reach an agreement of sorts in an attempt to live together. This is by far the most interesting portion of the film as it strays from convention and raises complicated questions about love, self sacrifice and happiness.
Although some of the film making style and the look of the film itself is firmly rooted in the 1970’s the blu-ray transfer brings a fresh, contemporary feel to the drama.
Ultimately my main problem with César and Rosalie is not about the film-making or the performances it is rather that the characters themselves are not likeable (which incidentally is also my problem with Closer) . Although the trio may be more realistically drawn, flawed characters than found in more conventional fare it is hard to get on board or identify with them, which leads me to think that your enjoyment of this film depends entirely on your own life experiences.
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