The Lovers on the Bridge (1991)
"Les amants du Pont-Neuf" (original title)

Set against Paris' oldest bridge, the Pont Neuf, while it was closed for repairs, this film is a love story between two young vagrants: Alex, a would be circus performer addicted to alcohol... See full summary »

Director:

Leos Carax

Writer:

Leos Carax

Stars:

Juliette Binoche, Denis Lavant, Daniel Buain

Nominated for 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 4 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Juliette Binoche	...	Michèle Stalens
Denis Lavant	...	Alex
Daniel Buain	...	L'ami clochard / Alex's vagrant friend
Klaus-Michael Grüber	...	Hans
Marion Stalens	...	Marion
Chrichan Larsson	...	Julien (as Chrichan Larson)
Paulette Berthonnier	...	La marinière / Barge operator
Roger Berthonnier	...	Le marinier / Barge operator
Edith Scob	...	La femme en voiture
Georges Aperghis	...	L'homme en voiture
Michel Vandestien	...	Le pompier
Georges Castorp	...	Un endormi
Marc Desclozeaux	...	Un endormi
Alain Dahan	...	Un endormi
Pierre Pessemesse	...	Un endormi

Storyline

Set against Paris' oldest bridge, the Pont Neuf, while it was closed for repairs, this film is a love story between two young vagrants: Alex, a would be circus performer addicted to alcohol and sedatives and Michele, a painter driven to a life on the streets because of a failed relationship and an affliction which is slowly turning her blind. The film portrays the harsh existence of the homeless as Alex, Michele and Hans, an older vagrant survive on the streets with their wits. As they both slowly get their lives back together, Michele becomes increasingly dependent on Alex as her vision deteriorates further. Fearing that Michele will leave him if she receives a new medical treatment Alex attempts to keep Michele practically a prisoner. The streets, skies and waterways of Paris are used as a backdrop to the story in a series of stunning visuals which dominate the film.

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Plot Keywords:

vagrant | bridge | love | painter | wino | 

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Taglines:

Romance... In a most unlikely place.

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence, language, sexuality/nudity and substance abuse

Details

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

2 July 1999 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Lovers on the Bridge

Filming Locations:

Bienvenue Montparnasse - 8 Rue de l'Arrivee, Paris 15, Paris, France

Box Office

Budget:

$28,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$29,679 (USA) (2 July 1999)

Gross:

$117,569 (USA) (30 July 1999)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Films A2, Gaumont International, Les Films Christian Fechner

Technical Specs

Runtime:

125 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Leos Carax was originally given permission to use the real Pont-Neuf bridge in Paris and have it closed for filming but delays in filming meant the permission expired and he had to reconstruct the whole thing on a lake near Montpellier, France. The construction of a new version of the Pont-Neuf - and its surrounding buildings in Paris - helped make the film of the most expensive French films ever made.

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Crazy Credits

After the last end title, during a fraction of a second, there is a handwritten inscription "à Luje - Amour - A." (To Luje - Love - A.) A. stands for Alexandre (Leos Carax' real first name) and Luje for Juliette (Binoche).

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Connections

Referenced in Malcolm in the Middle: Dinner Out (2000)

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Soundtracks

"Time Will Crawl"
Performed by David Bowie

User Reviews

file under: breathtaking

I found this movie by serendipity at Blockbuster, while I was searching for another Juliette Binoche title. I had to turn it off after an hour, because I was so overwhelmed. I finished it later of course, and was uplifted. The cinematography was breathtaking. It was also one of the most original films I've ever seen. Three homeless people live on a bridge, including an old man, a fire-breathing street performer, and an artist who is, ironically, going blind (i believe by macular degeneration). I don't want to spoil any of the action, but watch for an amazing scene in a subway hallway. And the two lovers, who seem so unlikely to get together at the beginning, bond convincingly throughout the film. Also, watch for two scenes were later recycled for movies which won best picture. Juliet Binoche and the old man visit a museum so she can look at a painting by candlelight (a la' The English Patient) and a scene ripped off for Titanic. It's great, but don't expect to just relax while watching it--it's a thinker's movie.