Adolphe
2002 History Drama / Romance
Credits
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Summary
19th century France. Twenty-year old Adolphe finds himself drawn irresistibly to
Ellénore, a married woman who is ten years his senior. Although she initially
repels her young suitor’s unwanted advances, Ellénore soon yields to his charms
and the two embark on a passionate love affair. Hearing of this, Adolphe’s father
is incensed; to ensure his son’s career and future happiness is not jeopardised, he resolves
to separate the lovers. However, by this stage, Adolphe’s affection for his mistress
has begun to wane and he yearns to free himself from what is becoming a burdensome affair.
But he realises the terrible truth of his predicament. Ellénore has sacrificed
everything for him and is still obviously very much in love with him. The pain of
separation would surely kill her...
Review
Benoît Jacquot’s faithful adaptation of the novel "Adolphe" by Benjamin Constant
is an absorbing and poignant account of an ill-fated love affair, made in a style that
is evocative of a historical literary work. The director’s slow, understated and intimate
style of cinema serves the film’s subject well, allowing him to convey the emotional ups
and downs of an all too ephemeral romantic coupling with great feeling and realism.
If the film has a fault it is that neither of its lead actors – Isabelle Adjani and Stanislas
Merhar – shows much in the way of any real emotion; indeed, both feel somewhat detached
and uninterested in what they are doing. Despite this, and despite being slightly
over-long, this is still an attractive and engaging film. One good reason for this
is Benoît Delhomme’s achingly sombre cinematography, which manages to evoke the
changing moods of a turbulent love affair to great effect.
© James Travers 2006 Write a review for this film... User Comments
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