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L’amant de poche (1978)
1:33:52
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3 месяца назад
"L’amant de poche" (1978), also known as "The Pocket Lover," directed by Bernard Queysanne, is a French coming-of-age comedy-drama that explores youthful love and societal boundaries.
The film follows Julien (Pascal Sellier), a 15-year-old high school student who falls for Helena (Mimsy Farmer), a beautiful and wealthy older woman he meets by chance after a failed party. Their romance blossoms despite Julien’s initial ignorance of her profession as a high-class prostitute. As their relationship deepens, Julien grapples with parental disapproval, his own perceptions of Helena’s work with affluent clients, and jealousy from his friend Capo (Stéphane Jobert). The story, adapted from Voldemar Lestienne’s Prix Interallié-winning novel, balances tender moments with the harsh realities of their unconventional affair.
Critical Reception:
Narrative and Themes:
The film is praised for its sensitive portrayal of first love and sexual awakening, offering a bittersweet take on innocence meeting experience. It’s more comedy than drama, focusing on Julien’s naive charm and Helena’s unexpected affection, though it doesn’t shy away from the emotional fallout of their impossible romance.
Critics note its exploration of class and age differences, though some find the script disjointed, with pacing that drags in parts as it shifts between lighthearted escapades and heavier revelations.
Performances:
Pascal Sellier shines as Julien, bringing a raw, boyish vulnerability that anchors the film’s emotional core. Mimsy Farmer’s Helena is captivating—both glamorous and kind-hearted—making her a believable object of Julien’s infatuation. Supporting roles, like Madeleine Robinson as the madam Madame Josée and Bernard Fresson as Julien’s father Gilbert, add depth, though some characters (e.g., Capo) feel underdeveloped.
Erotic and Visual Elements:
While not overtly explicit, the film includes moments of sensuality, with Helena’s allure often framed through Julien’s wide-eyed gaze. The cinematography by Alain Levent captures the opulence of Helena’s world—her car, apartment, and chic wardrobe—contrasting with Julien’s modest life, though it’s not visually groundbreaking.
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