This film from André Téchiné is NOT intended for a mass audience. It's about as far from a Hollywood-style film as you can find. That's because the film is about a rather vacuous young man who moves to Paris and cannot make ends meet--so he becomes a prostitute. Not surprisingly, the film has a bit of nudity (really, it's not that much considering the topic) and has a very adult theme. The gay plot probably will turn off many and the fact that the characters just aren't very likable will turn off even more. Now I am NOT saying it's a bad film or that you shouldn't see it--it's just a film with a very small potential audience.
Pierre (also called Pierrot through the film) is a rather dumb young man. He's more than naive--showing up in Paris with no real prospects for work and with very little money. And, to top if off, his work ethic isn't all that good and he seems to have little personality. But, he's reasonably good looking and after begin approached for sex by some folks, he starts to consider prostituting himself. And, when his friend says he's done that himself to make a few bucks, Pierre SLOWLY drifts towards the gay subculture. Although he claims he's not gay and is VERY picky about what sort of sex acts he'll engage in, he does not choose women--making for LOTS of interesting possibilities. Later, when he begins a relationship with a female prostitute, the picture becomes even more fuzzy. Again, it sure gives the audience something to think about and discuss with friends. What will become of Pierre and his new lady friend? Tune in and see if this seems like the sort of thing you might enjoy.
The film is well made in some ways. The direction is fine and the acting fairly good. HOWEVER, the weakest point is the writing--especially the character of Pierre. As I said, he's pretty naive but also pretty much lacking personality. You didn't have any empathy or connection to him--and that is THE big weakness in the film. In fact, I could see viewers begin very indifferent to him and his future. Plus, at times, Pierre is a jerk--particularly the way he treats the middle-aged gay man and lonely lady who he meets early in the film. And, his relationship with the girl is COMPLETELY unconvincing. It makes no sense and comes from no where and seemed contrived. But, it is interesting seeing how his look and personality do change a bit throughout the film and the movie is different. Unfortunately, even after changing, his character is a bit of a weenie. Had Pierre been a better character, I could see giving this a much higher rating--even if the subject matter is unpleasant. On top of that, the ending just seemed non-existent.
Pierre (also called Pierrot through the film) is a rather dumb young man. He's more than naive--showing up in Paris with no real prospects for work and with very little money. And, to top if off, his work ethic isn't all that good and he seems to have little personality. But, he's reasonably good looking and after begin approached for sex by some folks, he starts to consider prostituting himself. And, when his friend says he's done that himself to make a few bucks, Pierre SLOWLY drifts towards the gay subculture. Although he claims he's not gay and is VERY picky about what sort of sex acts he'll engage in, he does not choose women--making for LOTS of interesting possibilities. Later, when he begins a relationship with a female prostitute, the picture becomes even more fuzzy. Again, it sure gives the audience something to think about and discuss with friends. What will become of Pierre and his new lady friend? Tune in and see if this seems like the sort of thing you might enjoy.
The film is well made in some ways. The direction is fine and the acting fairly good. HOWEVER, the weakest point is the writing--especially the character of Pierre. As I said, he's pretty naive but also pretty much lacking personality. You didn't have any empathy or connection to him--and that is THE big weakness in the film. In fact, I could see viewers begin very indifferent to him and his future. Plus, at times, Pierre is a jerk--particularly the way he treats the middle-aged gay man and lonely lady who he meets early in the film. And, his relationship with the girl is COMPLETELY unconvincing. It makes no sense and comes from no where and seemed contrived. But, it is interesting seeing how his look and personality do change a bit throughout the film and the movie is different. Unfortunately, even after changing, his character is a bit of a weenie. Had Pierre been a better character, I could see giving this a much higher rating--even if the subject matter is unpleasant. On top of that, the ending just seemed non-existent.