Elles (English Subtitled)

I didnt like the film. Julliette, as always, is extraordinary, but the way the story is conducted is very unclear. Too bad. The story is actually very interesting. It could be done much better.

Somehow french films usually do not have a happy ending no matter what. They are more inclined to be about a reality in their society and life in general. They usually expose the more sordid and sad aspects of their society . Great acting and good subject to expose. Juliette Binoche as usual is a great actress.

Elles is a serious look at a specific aspect of modern day romantic life in the age of the internet and cellphones. Juliette Binoche stars as a writer for Elle magazine researching (she thinks) an article on young college-age women who offer their services to men in order to obtain the money they need to live as something better than a starving student. Binoches character starts out aloof and almost sneering, with the stereotypical attitude the general public has towards these women, but as she gets to know them better she gets drawn to them and into their world, letting down her journalists guard. What elevates Elles far above a mere fictionalized documentary movie is when Binoches character realizes that she is already part of this world. Aside from one scene in which a character gets assaulted (which is most likely a fantasy, although it is not entirely clear), there are no real victims or perpetrators in Elles. It is just what consenting adults do to satisfy their needs and survive the stresses of modern day life. The centerpiece of Elles by far is Juliette Binoches character, and she gives a star performance. Her character is not terribly attractive, and her face often shows the stresses of the life she leads as a busy working mom, but that is as it should be. She is most appealing when she lets her hair down by getting tipsy with one of her interview subjects, and that scene is a pure joy. The two college students, played by Anais Demoustier and Joanna Kulig, are near opposites in personality, body type and hair color, but each actress gives an intimately revealing portrayal. The men and boys in Elles have much more minor roles, but are well played. The casting and acting are spot-on, and speak to the care with which Elles was obviously made. If this film ever gets remade as an American film with American actors, I doubt it will be anywhere near as good. The only thing that prevents me from giving Elles five stars is that it tries to do a bit much in a short amount of time. There are many scenes and many significant events which rush forward to an ultimately satisfying conclusion. I feel the film could have benefited from a slightly more languorous pace, which would have allowed time to more fully explore everything that happens. Elles is highly recommended for adults who arent afraid to look behind the facade.

It seems like Ms. Binoche is receiving fewer roles that are of an interesting subject matter. But she still peaks my interest, because I keep hoping she is actually challenged by her movie career field. Shes beautiful women that has depth. This role did not fully challenge her, and allow for more exposure of skin. Im a fan as you can tell, I hope to see her in future films. Foreign movie stars are becoming more, popular once again.

What a disappointment! It is well acted and eminently watchable, except, as is sometimes the case with French film, its lack of an ending instead of being up to the viewer to make is simply a cop out. No, no, no, The last scene makes absolutely no sense.

GREAT MOVIE

I truly remarkable film.

Shes courageous not because of the masturbation scene, obviously, this anyone can do nowadays, no more courage than to brush ones teeth on screen. Binoche is courageous because shes not afraid to appear on screen almost naked, and act frankly, darkly her own age. This film is not great, but its well shot, serious and not moralistic. Good movie, 4 stars.

Could not get past the first 20 minutes. Not only was it uninteresting, but i was also not expecting subtitles. I watch foreign films quite often, but i have to be in the right mind set to read my movie and something has to keep my interest. Neither of these 2 factors were aligned on that day.

Zero imagination. Sure I had read other opinions and lots of words without real meaning praise this mainstream propaganda. Yeah, for a start producer could not figure out how to show sex, I guess Tinto Brass or DAmato movies are not available in France. Camera and lights works were especially primitive and I was not happy with Jess Franco, boy, I was mistaken. Of course, nobody in this flick works, money no problem, sure, after all unemployment in France only steady 10%. Music--who needs music, propaganda is good without music. Resume--as Italian dictator said--the purpose of movement is to move. Avoid.