Anais in Love * * ½

I don't think there is one believable, properly developed character in this film. 

In the first ten minutes you will love Anais, but  pretty soon after you start to realise she is a total pastiche: A film character made up of applied mannerisms and behavioral traits. 

Anais prances round in her "Oh so pretty", little summer dresses, talking endlessly and in a constant state of distraction. She hasn't paid the rent, she has to go to a party, she has to finish her thesis, she's pregnant and want's to arrange an abortion, she is always late and totally unreliable.  She's got phobia's about elevators, she's cross at her Mother for getting cancer. She walks along the foreshore with some melancholic opera aria playing over the scene.  

Anais meets Daniel, a man old enough to be her father. They begin an affair which isn't much more than casual sex.  At Daniel's apartment it becomes obvious he is married.  Anais isn't bothered. She likes the presence of Emilie. Her garments, her lipstick, her personal things, the books she writes.  She falls in love with Emilie before she even meets her.

"This reviewer don't know shit"
"Hmm, a fellow writer I can relate to".

Emile is a writer.  She writes novels but also essays. She is working on an essay on "Curiosity", because if you're a writer you know about everything right? Anais is obsessed with Emilie and does everything she can to get into her life.  Emilie gives readings and Anais attends. In line with everything else in this film what Emilie says is empty and unsubstantial and unlikely to impress any thinking person.  Never mind getting handsomely paid for it. 

She's a cliché' of an intellectual. 

Abandoning all other responsibilities, Anais follows Emilie to a writers symposium held at a country chalet, where Anais plans to work overtime to get Emilie to fall in love with her.  Such a happy coincidence that they are both bisexual. 

It redeems itself a little toward the end.  Using the argument of reason and rationalism Emilie explains to Anais why this can't go on.  Using her impulsiveness, Anais shows Emilie another alternative.  I liked that. 

It's a first time effort for the director and her enthusiasm and determination to impress us with her dreamed up "fabulous characters" shows, but I'm afraid I found Anais terribly irritating. 

Seen at French Film Festival 22.