Yes, it's a soap opera, and yes, it's in some ways derivative of Sirk. But I just love this movie, as much as any movie of its type from the '50s. Short, swift, luxuriously filmed, and perfectly cast, "Bonjour Tristesse" is the best of Preminger's many best-seller adaptations ("Advise and Consent," "Exodus"). On a formal level, the movie is beautifully constructed throughout; the blocking and movement in and out of the frame is practically balletic, especially in the black-and-white sections. Even with her bland affect, Seberg is simply magical (and completely believable), with one great outfit/swimsuit after another. Niven and Kerr fit their roles exquisitely well, with the exactly right degree of self-awareness and (to some degree) self-loathing. I saw this movie recently 20 years after I first saw it (and was charmed then) and was not disappointed--it was exactly as good as I remembered. I can't think of any Preminger film more entertaining or more worthy of reaching a wide public. Enjoy!
Review of Bonjour Tristesse
