"L'important c'est d'aimer" (The Most Important Thing: Love), a 1974 film directed by the renowned Polish filmmaker Andrzej Zulawski, is a passionate, heart-wrenching exploration of love and sacrifice. Featuring intense performances by Romy Schneider, Fabio Testi, and Klaus Kinski, the film plunges viewers into the chaotic world of struggling artists and the destructive nature of obsessive love.
The narrative follows the journey of Nadine Chevalier (Schneider), a struggling actress making ends meet through low-budget films, and Servais Mont (Testi), a passionate photographer who falls desperately in love with her. Mont, in his attempt to reignite Chevalier's acting career, finds himself tangled in the dangerous underworld to fund a production starring her. Kinski delivers a captivating performance as Karl-Heinz Zimmer, an actor who is tormented by his unrequited love for Chevalier.
Zulawski’s directing style is chaotic yet poetic, perfectly capturing the torment and ecstasy of intense love. His portrayal of the film industry is both harsh and gritty, offering an unglamorous peek into the life of artists struggling with their ambitions and personal lives. This is not a sugar-coated tale of love and success, but rather an intense examination of the human condition when pushed to its emotional extremes.
Romy Schneider’s portrayal of Nadine is heartbreakingly beautiful, garnering her the Best Actress award at the 1975 French Oscars (César Awards). Her performance perfectly captures the desperation and struggle of a woman who feels trapped within her circumstances.
The film's score, composed by Georges Delerue, complements the emotional intensity of the narrative. Its mournful melodies accentuate the tragic love story, further drawing viewers into the characters' emotional turmoil.
"L'important c'est d'aimer" is not a movie for the faint-hearted. Its raw intensity and relentless honesty might be overwhelming to some viewers. However, for those willing to embark on this emotional rollercoaster, the film offers a memorable exploration of passion, desperation, and the lengths one might go to for love.
In conclusion, "L'important c'est d'aimer" is a tour de force of intense performances, particularly Schneider's, and a captivating exploration of love's darker aspects. It's a film that resonates with raw emotion, making it a must-watch for those seeking profound narratives.