Amants du Pont-Neuf, Les

Leos Carax has swiftly entered my list of favourite directors. Last year I purchased a boxset of 3 of the French auteur's films, on a whim. I'd never heard of him before, but the descriptions were intriguing. Godardian, visually striking, poetic- yup, I was sold.

Les Amants du Pont-Neuf was the film that the boxset didn't include. The 1991 film could easily be seen as a companion piece to 'Boy meets Girl', the highlight of those three films. Again, the film revolves around Denis Lavant and Juliette Binoche as two would be lovers. Although Binoche had defiantly broken through onto the international markets, I believe both are highly regarded in France. Lavant recently appeared in Harmony Korine's 'Mister Lonely', along with director Leos Carax. It is clear that the trio have a good working relationship- Carax works to their strengths-Lavant's incredible physicality and Binoche's emotional versatility. In this film, the two play two homeless loners, brought together by the Paris bridge that they both frequent.

The bridge is under construction but lies delapidated, inhabited only by them and a shabby and world weary tramp. This old man supplies the drugs for Alex's (Lavant) heroin addiction, while offering him advice and warning him off Michele (Binoche). Michele is something of an enigma, a beautiful young woman whose eyepatch signals her impending blindness. Throughout the film Carax hints at a pleasant former life.

There is little interaction in conventional settings, such as restaurants, apartments, public spaces. Much of the action takes place on the bridge, where the two reflect on their situations and explore their new found companion. As the film progresses, the two turn to cunning con schemes and hedonistic excess to enliven their meagre existences. Towards the end of the film there is a truly stunning sequence where Paris is lit up by an explosion of fireworks, triggering a beautifully choreographed dance sequence between the two lovers. It is one of those scenes which cinema was invented for. Visually stunning and exhilarating.

Carax combines sweeping classical pieces with the stark landscape of the Paris bridge to great effect. Carax's film works on a different level to most films. They are hyper realised, elegant, physical and joyous. The relationship between the two main actors is touching and engaging, the scenery striking, the choreography and music brilliantly synchronised.

8/10