When "Alice et Martin" was released in France in November 1998, one of the more positive comments was in relation to its unorthodox narrative structure.
In Dec 1999, upon it UK release the film was again highly praised for its structure, editing technique and bravura score.
In Jul 2000 when "Alice et Martin" was released in the US it was heavily criticised for its narrative structure, which may critics labelled confusing and non-sensical.
Are we at a point that even critics need to be spoon feed a 123 narrative. The flashback in "Alice et martin" is admittedly disjointed at first - it's meant to be as it reflects Martin's psycological state.
"Alice et Martin" is a simple story which breaks up into two distinguishable parts. We are introduced to Martin (Alexis Loret) in a prologue which sketches his troubled childhood relationship with his father. We then see Martin flee from his home and live rough in the countryside before landing on his brother Benjamin's (Mathieu Amalric) door. Benjamin share a flat with musician Alice (Juliette Binoche). initially Alice is a brittle presence and resents Martin for disturbing the equilibrium she has found in a sexless relationship with the gay Benjamin. Martin quickly become infatuated with Alice and eventually she gives in and allows herself to fall in love. this first section of the film is episodic and set over a year, although on screen it is approximately 45 minutes long. The changing seasons are reflected by scenes showing summer, autumn and winter views of Paris.
The second part of the film begins when Martin is taken ill in Spain at the news that Alice is pregnant. We soon learn that he killed his father and cannot function as a human being or become a father until justice takes it's course, and he is punished. His stepmother was the only witness and Alice travells to Martins old home to convince her to testify at Martin's trial.
Techiné's film is unorthodox in many ways. The relationship between Alice et Martin is un-even from the beginning with her taking the lead. It is also shown as a deepky sexual relationship. Alice's strength again come to the fore when she is fighting Martin's family. however it is the issues of law and punishment, as well as family hurt which again haunt Techine in his work. As well as the law of the land we are presented with a family law. Indeed all the characters are shown to construct families of their own - ala Benjamin and Alice'e "Zoro - Zero" relationship.
The performances in the film are great. Amalric, Carmen Maura as Martin's mother and Marthe Villalonga as his stepmother are great. Alexis Loret in his first screen role is blank and his performance has been criticised for this. Yet I think this is exactly how he should be. His entire life is stunted by his guilt. In her first role since winning an Oscar, Juliette Binoche does what she does best - underplays the drama and steals the film, coming into her own in the second section. Caroline Champetier's cinematography of Paris, Granada and South West France is ace, while Philip Sarde's score is assured and complimentary.
Alice et Martin is not perfect. The final act labours a little too much on Martin's guilt rather than portraying how it affects his relationship with the pregnant Alice. He is also shown at the end in prison, a step to far, we dont need to know that - we only need to know that he is taking responsibility for his actions and being allowed to do so by his family. Interestingly while all of Martin's brothers all have major issues with their father, who is described as cold, distant and hard, Téchiné does not present him as a monster - instead the relationship between father and sons is a lot more ambiguous and interesting.
All in all one of the best French movies of 1998. Téchiné's most mature film and a terrific turn from Juliette Binoche.
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