Jules et Jim - 1962 * * * *

Finally I have found the movie that Audrey Tautou goes on and on about in 'Amelie' whilst she is at the cinema! ( you remember; the scene in the cinema where Amelie explains to the audience that she looks out for the insignificant parts of a film that other viewers miss, such as the fly on the window in the corner of the shot whilst the two main characters are in the middle of a passionate embrace). Jules and Jim is really a lovely film. It starts off in my opinion rather slowly but soon progresses to an excellent rate, rounding itself off with a very sad ending. Jules and Jim meet one day in a cafe and realise that they have everything in common - politics, literature, arts, theatre and this cements their relationship from then on. Soon afterwards they meet the carefree and fun-loving Catherine (played wonderfully by Jeanne Moreau) and from then on their relationship and the way they view their lives will never be the same again.

Catherine is a totally intriguing character - shallow and fickle, yet joyous and passionate, and I think Moreau was the perfect choice to play her. Although not a particularly beautiful or intelligent character she somehow captivates both men with an effortless charm, free to do with them what she chooses.

Many viewers immediately jumped to the conclusion the Jules and Jim's relationship was of a homosexual nature and I think you really need to study the film carefully to see that this isn't the case. They love each other yes, but as the closest and best of friends who would do anything for each other, a love that appears to have been made redundant in modern-day films ( anything more than a smile to another male in a recent film would insinuate the possibility of romantic behaviour) which is a huge shame, although it just makes films like this even more beautiful. This film is dying to be watched, so do it a favour and do just that.