Trois couples en quête d'orages (2005)
Directed by Jacques Otmezguine

Film Review

Whilst it goes massively out of its way to convince us otherwise, Trois couples en quête d'orage is essentially a pretty mundane film about a group of dull, uninteresting individuals facing up to the vagaries of middle age. The film is based on a novel of the same title by the journalist Lionel Duroy published in 2000, but seasoned director Jacques Otmezguine tries to make it cleverer than it needs to be. Flashbacks are used excessively in a determined but ultimately pointless attempt to make the story more interesting - all this achieves is to rob the film of dramatic focus and render it vague and incoherent, with the characters failing to acquire any tangible qualities.

It's a classic example of style over substance, in which the director immerses himself in self-conscious artistry instead of working to make a film which engages the spectator's interest and emotions. If Otmezguine's stylist excesses don't put you off, the hideously intrusive background music certainly will. On a more positive note, the cast are excellent - particularly Aurélien Recoing (L'Emploi du temps (2001)), Samuel Labarthe and Claire Nebout - although not all are particularly well-served by the script.  There are some poignant moments along the way (for example, Olivier facing up to his physical disability), but overall the narrative just feels too disjointed and wishy-washy to have much of an impact.

Film Synopsis

With the onset of middle-age, Olivier and his closest friends, Rémi and Pascale, all find that they are fast approaching a crossroads in their lives.  Olivier used to be a doctor, but now he is confined to a wheelchair and sees only a life of grim monotony ahead of him - until he meets Stéphanie, a much young woman who suddenly reawakens his zest for living.  Rémi's marriage to Estelle now appears threatened by the couple's inability to have children.  Meanwhile, Pascale, a filmmaker, no longer has any sympathy for her somewhat pathetic husband, a failed diplomat, and leaves him for a seductive politician who seems to be going places.  It is a strange coincidence, but Olivier, Rémi and Pascale are all simultaneously about to embark on a new chapter in their lives...