Jules and Jim [DVD]

An immaculate pearl necklace laid out on a table symbolizes the beauty of Jules and Jim, as the story follows a thread similar to the one that runs through each pearl in the necklace. In this example, the thread represents time that continues through several significant events where the occurrences in time are analogous to the pearls. To further evolve on the pearl necklace concept, each pearl has its own uniqueness that has been tenderly nurtured from a single grain of sand to a valuable gem at the bottom of the sea. Thus, each story begins with a single incident that ultimately develops into a treasured period of time, which in the end offers a string of valued events. Jules and Jim presents such a tale through time, as the characters experience several worthwhile phases throughout their lives.François Truffaut read an autobiographical novel by Henri-Pierre Roché in his twenties when he worked as film critic. He was so taken by this story that he kept it close to himself, and reread it several times. It is evident that the story became very fluid to him, as the film displays a brilliance in its emotional gracefulness in how he confronted the many complexities within the story that he eventually got the ok to make. Roché was delighted that his novel would be made into film, but never lived to see the film. Nonetheless, Truffaut embraced the project with the same nurturing care that an oyster uses to handle a grain of sand and he made a film that touched the very essence of the audience, as many still regard Jules and Jim as one of the best films ever made.The film opens with a montage from the whole film which is accompanied with a speedy and playful tune that carries some resemblance to circus music. On top of this, montage text introduces the cast and filmmakers in a positive light that suggests that the audience is about to see something upbeat and pleasurable. And what would not be more upbeat and pleasurable than love? In this case, love will be dissected under the very lives of Jim (Henri Serre), a charming Frenchman, and the withdrawn Austrian Jules (Oskar Werner) who meet in Paris. The Jules and Jim are both hopeful writers that begin to share much time together discussing and listening to each other with selfless patience. They become best friends much like Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, as their friends begin to call them.Together Jules and Jim begin to explore life and love, but Jules has a difficult time connecting with women while to Jim this art comes easy. Rendezvous after rendezvous leads them into several affairs, but none serious enough to last. In their continued pursuit of women the two men discuss life and art, as they encounter a magnificent statue in a private slide show. The statue captivates both Jules and Jim who travel to the location of the statue to fully experience the beauty of the statue. Upon their return from their brief quest for the statue they were still bewildered by the experience. This state of mind was still affecting them as they were having three women over for dinner, and to their amazement one of them reminded them of the statue.Catherine (Jeanne Moreau) is the girl whose smile brought the statue alive, and her presence spellbound Jules with love. Initially, Catherine and Jules spend much time together while Jules continues to see Jim at their gym. After a month of courtship Jules invites Jim to come visit Catherine, and it is clear that she is the most vibrant of the three. She lives life while the two men simply spend most of their time discussing it. Catherine is a free wind that loves the freedom of doing what she pleases, something that most people would consider unacceptable for a woman at the time of the story. Yet, she has no care in the world for what others think, as she grabs the moment and does what she wishes.Upon contemplation of Catherine's independency it is clear that some conflict will result out it, and especially if she were to get married, which she does with Jules. Despite the looming conflict that most viewers will anticipate, the three try to rationally find a solution to their problem, which involves love, emotions, and time. Catherine loves to be in the center of attention while the two men constantly look up to her, as some divine creation that both desire. A vague distance exists between Catherine and the men, yet it is this distance that lures them to her. This distance rests within her energy while the men simply try to be close to her in order to feel some of that alluring life that moves within her.The 1960s became the decade when love and peace became the slogan for how freedom would prevail and Truffaut's film became what many tried to achieve. The thought was wonderful while the journey through the thread of time with love and affection can both harness bliss and sorrow. Yet, it is a journey that most people never wish to miss, and in Jules and Jim the audience gets a chance to witness one of these wonderful stories that does not hide anything. The visual illustration is nothing but remarkably astounding, as Truffaut elevates the emotional manifestation of each scene through both terrific technical and aesthetic design. In the end when Jules walks down the hill, Truffaut will have let the audience have thumbed through and felt the touch and gentle care for each pearl along the thread, and it bestows a magnificent gift grander than any prized possession in the world.

Some films just reach a special place in your heart; maybe because of personal situations that mirror the films content, literally or figuratively. Maybe it's because the cause or moral is something close to you, something you firmly believe in. Maybe it's because the very essence of the film speaks to your love of cinema or your love of mankind. Whatever the reason, we are all drawn to and find solace in films we can connect to.For me, `Jules et Jim' is that kind of film.`Jules et Jim' is a remarkable story of two men and their unwavering love for one another and for a woman named Catherine. The film spans over 30 years and finds Catherine waltzing into their lives, taking root in Jules heart only to give herself to Jim. What is so moving about this film is that, despite their undeniable love triangle, the relationship between Jules and Jim never falters. Their bond is the central most important facet to the flow of their lives, and if their relationship were to crack and fade then Catherine would find herself alone; literally. As much as Jules loves Catherine, his love for his friend, his comrade, is stronger and thus makes the acceptance of Jim's love for Catherine more acceptable and understandable. It's almost as if they share the same woman to be that much closer to one another.This film is a beautiful depiction of pure friendship.I think what makes this film so special to me is the fact that it reflects my own personal feelings for that of my best friend, and knowing that our feelings are mutual make this film all that much more a big part of our lives. When Jules and Jim move to the big house with Catherine it is the epitome of paradise for these two men as they can share life's every moment with one another.The films second act shows the downside to this bond; the pain and suffering that comes from something attaching themselves too much to another. What at first seemed so beautiful and so pure has begun to corrode the friendship that Jules and Jim put so much trust in. Catherine slowly begins to despise the two men she has corrupted and begins to turn their lives inside out. This may be purely my personal interpretation of the film, but as the final frame came upon me, and Jules tragedy was all the more lingering in my mind, I couldn't help but draw the conclusion that romantic fantasizing has no place in pure platonic love. What I mean is that, this film (to me at least) further impresses the importance of keeping your romantic feelings out of the way of your platonic friendships, for while you may wish to share any and everything with someone you are very close to, in the end it can be that boundless interchange that can ruin the purity of your love for one another.But that's just me.The acting is superb on all accounts. There are films that live within the acting (that showing outlandish kind of acting that takes over a movie) and then there is acting that lives and breaths within the film, allowing the overall prose and or focus of the film to envelope them. Oskar Werner, Henri Serre and especially Jeanne Moreau do just that. Werner plays Jules with this distilled emotional relevance, keeping his feelings open yet seemingly guarded so as not to overpower the scenes. Think Tom Wilkinson in `In the Bedroom' and you'll understand what I'm talking about. Henri Serre is a little more enigmatic than Werner, keeping Jim a mystery of sorts. He's a nice contrast to Werner, although at times I did find him a little dry and did wish he would have inserted more of the natural charm and likeability I found in Werner. Moreau is beyond the films star here though, capturing our hearts and our attention with her firm grasp on her character's personality. She is vivacious and alarming, completely consuming with her natural engaging of the people around her. She delivers one of the smartest and greatest performances of the 60's, by far.So, if you are looking for a thought provoking film that tackles the idea of male bonding unlike any other film then this is one you need to see. It is not a film about obsession, at least not in the sense in which many view it. While Catherine's character plays a major role in the film (and Moreau is without doubt the scene stealing star) the films primary focus is on Jules and Jim and their love for one another. Instead of being obsessed with Catherine, the men are truly obsessed with one another.

A classic of French New Wave cinema directed by François Truffaut; I must admit it is a film I admire rather than actually like particularly; it has always struck me as rather mannered, though with every viewing I do find my attitude changing towards it; it certainly has some memorable scenes - I still love the song Moreau sings – it's something of an earworm; and the final scene is unforgettable.The UK DVD release from 2 Entertain has a commentary and a featurette with Truffaut talking about the film.It is – of course – a French film with English subtitles.4 ½ stars, ideally.

One of the most prominent films of the French New Wave; with the scene of the three main characters running across the bridge, arguably being one of the most iconic images of the era.I watched it as a follow up to The 400 Blows and to see the film that is so often referenced in discussions about French cinema.I am pleased the say the film lives up to its reputation as a classic; being well acted and with an involving plot. Although Jeanne Moreau rightly gets a lot of credit for how she played Catherine, I thought Oskar Werner was excellent as Jules.Even the cinematic tricks of freeze framing certain shots and bringing a scene in from the top right of the screen; rather than seeming dated are actually nice references to the time and the innovation of Truffaut and other new wave directors.An enjoyable film and a must see for fans of the French New Wave. If you are a fan, a book worth reading is 'A Short History of Cahiers Du Cinema' by Emilie Bickerton which tells the story of the influential magazine and references Godard, Rivette, Rohmer and of course Truffaut.

Entirely my fault for not reading the description fully, but an easy mistake to make.Superb film though

Just a perfect old black and white movie to watch on rainy days, or dark night.was watching the beiderbecke tapes when they mentioned this film, amazon is so brill for coming up with the flim

A faithful representation of the book. First rate performances all round. Truffeau at his inimitable best.