The Lovers on the Bridge (1991)

Alex, who's homeless and addicted to alcohol, and Michèle, who's losing her sight, form a relationship while sleeping rough on Paris's Pont-Neuf bridge.

Director:

Leos Carax

Writer:

Leos Carax

Stars:

Juliette Binoche, Denis Lavant, Klaus-Michael Grüber

Nominated for 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 5 wins & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Juliette Binoche	...	Michèle Stalens
Denis Lavant	...	Alex
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
Maître Bitoun	...	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 | pont neuf bridge | painter | love | 

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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

Did You Know?

Trivia

In season 2 episode 4 of Malcolm in the Middle "Dinner Out", Kitty tells Lois that she and her husband recently viewed this film.

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Quotes

Michèle Stalens: My dreams sent me. People in dreams, ought to call them when you wake. Make life simpler. "Hello, dreamed of you. Love woke me".

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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

Featured in The Story of Film: An Odyssey: Fight the Power: Protest in Film (2011)

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Soundtracks

Sonate Pour Violoncelle Seul: Opus 8
Composed by Zoltán Kodály
Performed by Chrichan Larsson (as Chrichan Larson)

User Reviews

Style over substance...

...but what style! The most expensive French film ever made when it came out, this film features some spectacular set-pieces, particularly the French bi-centennial celebrations that provide a backdrop. It has its weaknesses, but when I saw this in the cinema I was blown away. Denis Lavant puts in a particularly strong performance as Alex, the depressive and tender down-and-out obsessed with Binoche's Michele. Watch it, even if you find nothing else in it, the visuals are astonishing.

Details

Official Sites:

Juliette Binoche: The Art of Being - Official Fansite

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

2 July 1999 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Lovers on the Bridge

Filming Locations:

France

Box Office

Budget:

$28,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$21,482, 4 July 1999

Gross USA:

$29,679

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$29,679

Company Credits

Production Co:

Films A2, Gaumont International, Les Films Christian Fechner

Technical Specs

Runtime:

125 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1