Leo
Carax’s debut feature, made in 1984 (when Carax was just 24 years old), is a
strange love story that seems influenced by the French New Wave but with the
surreal sensibilities of Carax added to the mix. As usual, the film stars Denis Lavant as a
young guy named Alex who has just been dumped by his girlfriend who has been
having an affair with Alex’s best friend.
While wondering the streets at night, he passes an apartment block as an
unknown man and woman have a fight over an intercom speaker, making it very
obvious that their relationship is on the rocks. Alex becomes entranced by the girl on the
intercom, whose name turns out to be Mireille, and starts to follow her. Meanwhile we witness Mireille alone in her
house and it becomes very apparent that the girl suffers from depression and is
suicidal. Alex continues to observe this
girl until he finally works his way into a party that Mireille will be
attending, giving chance that the two will finally meet.
It is
interesting to watch all of Leos Carax’s films within quick succession of each
other because it becomes obvious just how similar they are in atmosphere and
themes. “Boy Meets Girl” is probably the
least plot heavy of the “Alex” trilogy (which is sometimes how Carax’s first
three features are described due to Denis Lavant starring as a character named
Alex in all of them), with the majority of the film setting a tone or mood
until they finally meet. In fact most of
the narrative happens in the final twenty minutes. It is set up during the film that Alex puts
significance importance on the “first” of things (for example, his first kiss,
the first time he stole, etc), so the first meeting between Alex and Mireille
is all important and the whole film works towards this moment.
Unlike
the latter films, “Boy Meets Girl” separates itself by being shot in black and
white and the images created by Jean-Yves Escoffier are glorious. Some of the camera moves, especially in the
final scene, echo that of Alfred Hitchcock’s work. As I mentioned, there are a lot of similar
moments in “Boy Meets Girl” with other Carax films. The heat wave that is so prevalent in “Mauvais
Sang” appears again in “Boy Meets Girl” and visually, the large glass window at
the front of Mireille’s apartment is almost identical to the one in the
apartment of “Mauvais Sang”. In some
ways it is almost like “Mauvais Sang” is an extension of “Boy Meets Girl”, or
at least its story, even though the two are not related at all. Once again Denis Lavant stars as Alex and he
is fantastic as usual. I am really
becoming enamored with him and his skills as an actor, he fully embodies
characters completely. However it was
Mireille Perrier’s melancholic performance as Mireille that impressed me the
most. The sadness behind her eyes is
very apparent as she struggles with herself and her depression and the urges to
commit suicide. She is really beautiful
too and her surreal scene where she tap-dances alone in her apartment is one of
the highlights of “Boy Meets Girl”. Such
is her deep sadness throughout the film that we pray that she and Alex can get
together and he can save her from herself.
Due to the
lack of plot for most of the film, a lot of people may find “Boy Meets Girl”
heavy going and a struggle to get through, but for myself the atmosphere mesmerized
me and I found the film delightful.
While it takes its time getting there, the first meeting between Alex
and Mireille is definitely worth the wait.
Lavant and Perrier have a great natural chemistry together which helps
in believing that these two souls could be falling in love so quickly.
The
highlight of “Boy Meets Girl” is its surprising climax that I never saw coming
at all. It is beautiful and tragic all
in one and the visual reveal is classic.
The camera glides out of the window and turns around to show us a
different angle of the scene we have just witnessed and thus we see the truth
of what has just happened. I apologize
for the vague description but it is something you should really see yourself.
Overall
this is another unique and interesting take on love from Leos Carax. Separating itself from the rest of Carax’s oeuvre
with its beautiful black and white cinematography, its themes and atmosphere
remain consistent with the rest of his films.
“Boy Meets Girl” is a beautifully tragic romance that I recommend
wholeheartedly and would make a great introduction to someone unfamiliar with
Carax’s work.
3.5 Stars.
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