What to Watch? - "L'Amant Double" (2017)
"L'Amant Double" (2017) is a French-Belgian erotic thriller film directed by François Ozon. Known for his style of mixing genre elements and experimenting with narrative structure, Ozon takes a deep dive into the realms of psychological tension in this movie.
The story revolves around Chloé, a fragile young woman who falls in love with her psychoanalyst, Paul. A few months later, she moves in with him, but soon discovers that her lover is keeping a part of his identity a secret, spinning the narrative into a whirlwind of confusion, passion, and potentially dangerous revelations.
The lead performances by Marine Vacth and Jérémie Renier are intense and courageous. They infuse their characters with palpable chemistry and unsettling tension, echoing the tradition of suspenseful classics like Hitchcock's films.
Ozon's direction is skillful and assured, weaving a visually striking and erotic narrative that touches on themes of identity, duality, and the subconscious. His use of mirror images and doubles contributes to a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere that keeps the viewer constantly questioning what's real and what's not.
The cinematography by Manuel Dacosse is rich and sophisticated. The aesthetics of the film, with its emphasis on reflective surfaces and symmetry, greatly enhances the story's psychological undercurrents.
Despite its strengths, the movie might be polarizing for some viewers due to its explicit sexual content and complex narrative style. Some might find the plot twists too convoluted or the overall tone too indulgent. However, for viewers who appreciate audacious, boundary-pushing cinema, "L'Amant Double" is a compelling exploration of desire, identity, and the human psyche.
While "L'Amant Double" may not be everyone's cup of tea, its boldness and artistic merit cannot be denied. It's a testament to Ozon's ability to create thought-provoking and provocative cinema that stimulates, challenges, and perhaps even disturbs its audience.
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