This review refers to "les choses de la vie" ...
A wonderful French drama from 1969, it doesn't take long, upon the view, to realize, that "les choses de la vie"(from a novel by Paul Guimard) was the original screenplay that the American Film "Intersection" was based on. "Intersection", with Richard Gere, Sharon Stone and Lolita Davidovich, was a very good film, and I enjoyed it very much. This one though, is a really fine piece of filmmaking, and is quite a step up artistically from it's newer version.
The film opens at the scene of a horrific, and freak auto accident. A man thrown from his vehicle, lays dieing and reflecting on his life and loves up to this point. Thoughts of his wife and family and his lover flash through his mind. We watch as the film rolls back through the events that brought him here.
Well crafted by Director Claude Sautet, the story is beautiful, and the filming exquisite. During the accident scene, done first in slow-mo,and then in real time, your heart will be in your throat. It stars Romy Schneider in the role that Davidovich played, and Michel Piccoli, in Gere's role. There is a wonderful chemistry going on between them, and you can't help being moved by these wonderful performances. Adding their talents are Jean Boffety(cinematography) and Philippe Sarde(music), making this film an all around joy to view. A taut drama, it runs about an hour and a half.
This DVD is a, Region 2 format(Japan, Europe, South Africa, and the Middle East, including Egypt). So your DVD player must be compatible to that. I did not see a DVD for Region 1(U.S. Canada) available yet.There is however a VHS available that is in the NTSC format for VHS(U.S.). Even if you don't speak French, but enjoy foreign films, you may want to have a look at this beautiful film depicting the fragility of life. Especially if you have already seen "Intersection" and know the story. Highly recommended for a beautiful cinematic experience. If interested in the VHS edition(French only/no subititles) enter the ASIN of: B000A0EWUY in the product search.
The things of life....enjoy!
Merci Beaucoup.....Laurie