French director Leos Carax recently made the visually stunning and great film 'Holy Motors'. But his first feature film was back in 1984 and called 'Boy Meets Girl'. It's a bittersweet and lovely story about two broken hearts who find each other in their most weakened state. I would venture a guess that this movie is somewhat autobiographical as the main character is named Alex, which is Carax's actual first name.
Alex (Denis Lavant, a regular in Carax's films), is a prospective filmmaker whose girlfriend recently broke his heart to date his best friend. Alex spends his time walking the streets, looking at other happy couples, listening to music, and coming up with movie titles that he hasn't made yet. He meets a beautiful woman named Mireille (Mireille Perrier), or he hears her voice on an apartment intercom, breaking up with her boyfriend.
It takes almost an hour for literally "boy to meet girl' here. But that's the plan and genius of Carax as he wants to keep his two characters from getting to close to their audience. Mireille is a model who is witty, smart, fun, yet a little bit chaotic, which is right up Alex's alley. And the two hit it off, but are still in a somber state from their recent heartbreak. There is a long conversation between the two new friends, as they discuss life and love.
Carax has perfectly crafted these characters as to not allow us to develop a relationship with them as tragedy hovers overhead in the distance. Denis Lavant is excellent here as Alex. His emotional range and charm is limitless as he plays Alex with ease and realism. And Perrier turns in solid work her as well. There is no score in the film, but Carax uses some excellent music to tell the emotional story his character's are telling and feeling very well, including music from David Bowie and The Dead Kennedys.
'Boy Meets Girl' is excellent film, both beautiful and tragic about two people who just want to be loved. And the black and white cityscape of Paris is gorgeous as the city plays just as much a character in the film as the two main actors do. Carax's first step into the feature film world will stick with you and is one of the most original and freshest looks at the romantic comedy-drama genre.
Alex (Denis Lavant, a regular in Carax's films), is a prospective filmmaker whose girlfriend recently broke his heart to date his best friend. Alex spends his time walking the streets, looking at other happy couples, listening to music, and coming up with movie titles that he hasn't made yet. He meets a beautiful woman named Mireille (Mireille Perrier), or he hears her voice on an apartment intercom, breaking up with her boyfriend.
It takes almost an hour for literally "boy to meet girl' here. But that's the plan and genius of Carax as he wants to keep his two characters from getting to close to their audience. Mireille is a model who is witty, smart, fun, yet a little bit chaotic, which is right up Alex's alley. And the two hit it off, but are still in a somber state from their recent heartbreak. There is a long conversation between the two new friends, as they discuss life and love.
Carax has perfectly crafted these characters as to not allow us to develop a relationship with them as tragedy hovers overhead in the distance. Denis Lavant is excellent here as Alex. His emotional range and charm is limitless as he plays Alex with ease and realism. And Perrier turns in solid work her as well. There is no score in the film, but Carax uses some excellent music to tell the emotional story his character's are telling and feeling very well, including music from David Bowie and The Dead Kennedys.
'Boy Meets Girl' is excellent film, both beautiful and tragic about two people who just want to be loved. And the black and white cityscape of Paris is gorgeous as the city plays just as much a character in the film as the two main actors do. Carax's first step into the feature film world will stick with you and is one of the most original and freshest looks at the romantic comedy-drama genre.