Film

Ma vie sexuelle (1996)

Director: Arnaud Desplechin

Movie review

From Time Out Film Guide

This subtle and startlingly imaginative film concerns the intersecting relationships between a group of 20 and 30-year-old Parisians, notably assistant university professor Paul (Amalric), who's torn between his long-term girl Esther (Devos), his best friend's girl (with whom he guiltily had a fling a couple of years ago), and another woman he meets at a party. Paul's problem is indecision, which is of little use to his friends, colleagues and lovers, and even more damaging to himself. What makes this intimate epic so fascinating is the depth of characterisation - it's beautifully acted - and the way both script and direction use small details to offer telling insights into the lives, emotions and aspirations of the group. Loneliness is economically but expertly evoked with a cup of coffee and Ravel on the soundtrack; a bizarre but highly original scene featuring a monkey, a radiator and an arrogant academic brilliantly blends black humour and psychological unease.

---

• 
•