11/17/06 He Loves Me...He Loves Me Not

He Loves Me...He Loves Me Not (2002), directed by Laetitia Colombani

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home; suggested by Christina M. & Allyson

Going against her usually charming and innocent casting types in previous films, French star Audrey Tautou (of "Amelie" fame) goes a bit dark on this one, in a jealous obsessed stalker of sorts in this lovely thriller. Tautou plays Angelique, a young and troubled artist/student who falls deeply in lust with a married doctor, Loic. The only problem is that Loic does not see this "relationship" for what it is...or isn't, it gets a bit confusing. Angelique will stop at nothing to have her affections met with some sort of acknowledgement or satisfaction. The movie is basically split into two very different takes on the twisted romance...beginning with young Angelique's passionate and heartbroken rendition of an older married man playing havoc on her emotions. He never shows up for meetings together or shows affection, or never will leave his wife for her. Then, half way through the movie, we get a chance to view the same "relationship" through the eyes of Loic. The innocence is lost on him, as he sees the "Fatal Attraction" type attention by Angelique as a mysterious and dangerous stalker-esque endeavor. The mystery and malevolence now plays heavily on his own realtionship to his wife, and eventually his sanity. It is a twisted little piece of French romantic candy, and you should enjoy. Ain't she sweet? Enjoy the bittersweet aftertaste that this taut psychological thriller will leave on your lips...disturbingly enjoyable, much more than any dead rabbit in a stewing pot could ever be. I just don't think I will ever trust Amelie again.

3 out of 5 stars