I really tried to give this film a chance, even though I have seen very few positive reviews. Unfortunately, lovely Southern French scenery, stylish 70s ambiance, and two famous megastars couldn't save this plodding, microscopic examination of two of the most boring characters ever created. I simply did not care if the characters in this film lived or died. The only interesting and honest performance is delivered by Niels Arestrup as Michele, the sympathetic bar owner in whom Pitt's character confides while he drowns in drunken self-pity. Angelina Jolie is so bland and expressionless, and Brad Pitt looks like he'd rather be anywhere else except in this film. I've never thought of him or Jolie as particularly strong actors, but when given a passable script, each can usually deliver a reasonable performance Not here, unfortunately. All I can think is this film was just a narcissistic Jolie "vanity project." Seriously, I have seen better films from juniors and seniors in film school. It's galling to think you just need money to produce a film, not real talent.
Review of By the Sea
