gedboy Reviews

Adam & Paul (2004)

A moving, funny and desperate film.

[9/10 · 5 June 2005]

It takes some work to make anyone feel sorry for junkies but 'Adam and Paul' is a film that succeeds beyond any expectation. Yes, it shows the appalling lives of two junkies who have clearly been 'down so long' they have pretty much lost contact with reality, but it also makes you laugh, for even in their lives there is sometimes something amusing.

It's grim and the words 'with hilarious consequences' are not going to appear in my review, but the film does show there is still some humanity in them, particularly in the scenes with their pal. Yes, their condition makes them dislikeable people who are always on the look out for money to steal and people to scam from, but we are asked to appreciate that there is a glimmer of hope: no matter how dim.

A must see film, but make sure you're in an optimistic frame of mind before you go in, because 'Adam and Paul' will take its toll on the sunniest disposition.

A Very Long Engagement (2004)

What a Brilliant Film

[10/10 · 22 January 2005]

The cinematography was ravishing, the story well told and the mixture of humour, emotion, pathos and warmth certainly affected me. I don't think Tautou can do any wrong for me. I was wondering how they could possibly do a final scene but it was managed with aplomb.

Contrary to previous comments, Tautou portrayed a young woman with an independence and indomitably which kept her going when all others told her to give up and take an easier route in life. I fail to see how this could be construed as socially conservative. Clearly the film shows someone who ploughed her own furrow.

The CGI was excellent. The Museé D'Orsay back as a station was something but which one had the Metro outside it: was it somewhere like Arras?

As I only saw it this morning I will consider for a few weeks but at the moment it is one of the best films I've seen in years.

Having read other comments I think you might need an unshakeable belief in human nature and its ultimate goodness, otherwise you might find it a little too naive. I'm glad to be naive.