Love Me No More

Jean Becker

BY Robert BellPublished Feb 4, 2009

As partial examination of the ideological difference between economic classes and subsequent exploration of the incapability of variant cultural subsections to grasp each other's plights and justifications, Love Me No More simplifies the complexities of human delusion with a surprising wisdom that is frequently amusing. In addition, the film covers the basic human struggle with annihilation anxiety, wisely pointing out that society itself would break down if everyone were completely honest and followed his or her heart. It, however, avoids obvious solutions to these problems, which are perhaps idealistic, but involve letting the blind live ignorantly, despite being the core problem, as long as they do not directly impede. The trouble starts when successful advertising exec Antoine (Albert Dupontel) decides to be completely honest during an advertising pitch by pointing out that the yogurt they are trying to sell tastes like crap. After resigning from his job, Antoine argues with his wife (Marie-Josee Croze) over a suspected affair and points out how transparent the philanthropy and regurgitated opinions of his privileged acquaintances are. Determined to be honest about absolutely everything, he ultimately alienates everyone in his life and sets out on a quest to visit his absent father (Pierre Vaneck). One of the earliest lines of the film is, "when people speak the truth, everyone thinks they are insane," which sets the tone for all events to come. Underlying messages aside, all the lead actors deliver impeccable performances, and while the film is somewhat obvious and occasionally frustrating, it is inherently true and beautiful at its core. Aside from the decision to explain everything in the end, which is a bit of a letdown and betrayal, Love Me No More stands as a fine example of French filmmaking. Included with the DVD is a brief "making of" featurette with behind-the-scenes footage and actor interviews available only in French.
(Seville)

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