"La Fille sur le Pont" truly is the grown up fairy tale. Here, our Prince Charming is replaced by the unlikely Daniel Auteuil, a quick-witted, straight talking knife thrower whilst our Princess (Vanessa Paradis) proves to be a promiscuous, doe-eyed waif fallen on hard times. Both appear to live in an incomplete world, short of both companionship and luck. As expected they meet (all be it in rather peculiar circumstances) and we embark with them on their frantic journey to far off lands, fame and fortune. The film raises the age old questions of destiny and luck and the possible existence of either. Yet the director, Patrice Leconte, carefully creates an atmosphere of hope and belief and so despite all cynicism an audience does become seduced by the ideology of a good old romance.
It's "rom-com" exterior proves highly deceptive as in fact it is a film of great detail and intense beauty. The absence of colour only enhances further the lavish and glamorous surroundings through which the couple saunter. The soundtrack is equally bohemian with elements of swing, samba, Asian folk and jazz all enhancing the exotic nature of the film. Combined with dynamic camera work and fast paced dialogue, the intensity of the knife-throwing scenes permeates throughout the entirety of the film.
Patrice Leconte has created a charming piece of cinema that is sentimental, pretty and endearing. Definitely recommended as a quiet night-in, "feel-good" film.
It's "rom-com" exterior proves highly deceptive as in fact it is a film of great detail and intense beauty. The absence of colour only enhances further the lavish and glamorous surroundings through which the couple saunter. The soundtrack is equally bohemian with elements of swing, samba, Asian folk and jazz all enhancing the exotic nature of the film. Combined with dynamic camera work and fast paced dialogue, the intensity of the knife-throwing scenes permeates throughout the entirety of the film.
Patrice Leconte has created a charming piece of cinema that is sentimental, pretty and endearing. Definitely recommended as a quiet night-in, "feel-good" film.