This film is an adaptation of semi autobiographical novel by Henri Pierre Roche.
Plot and Storyline
In Jules and Jim there are mainly three characters and whole story is based upon them. The story is a tonic ride to emotional friendship and love. Actually the lives of two friends are going very easily until brilliant qualities of Catherine counteracted. First the story is floating without any emotions but suddenly everything is plowed and unexpected things start happening. There are plenty of twists and surprises in the story. Story got everything from breezy and winy moment to tragic and pity moments. The plot seems to be very simple and sweet but it is exciting. In the whole movie Catherine continuously oscillates between Jules and Jim. It is very delightful to see the film that covers the friendship between two males and their true love for a woman. At one side the story shows the emotional bond between friendship and on other side it shows how friends belting down in the ditches. This is all about love in the movie but still one thing is left to talk about and that is war. Apart from love movie also describes that how two friends are separated when war starts. They become enemies because they were born at different places and they are fighting against each other.
Direction
I liked the direction of the movie. Actually it is bit different. To present a story director used paintings, plays, books and obviously conversation between characters. I have seen many romantic movies but this is very different from them. Actually Truffaut is not bind with any fix story. He permits the pour of awareness and changing relationships of friends to prescribe the construction. In this film Truffaut gets to do stimulating and fresh impulses of life. He described everything bright that life plays with us, in the film. Most of the directors stick to their formal ideas and characters but his idea of telling story is patent with established plot. I would like to throw some light that showcases the direction in the film. Scene in which Catherine is jumping into river is brilliant. It describes the feminine character of Jeanne. Another scene is the play village idiot. Sabine containing wood is another wonderful scene. The fast cut scenes are trademark of Truffaut and we see these kinds of camera movements throughout the film. I also remember the hilarious moment when Catherine is dressing like a man. The enjoyment among them reminds me my tremendous days. The scenery of Europe is beautifully captured.
Characters and Performances
Character of Jeanne brings political theory and volatility in the film that is pleasant and charming. She makes the character attention seeker by her guts. She is very fleshy and energetic. Her character is selfish but that what the movie demands. His selfishness is bright that makes this character likeable. It is impossible to fall down her character because her character is vigorous. I would like to describe the scene where she is jumping into river after cultivated night. This scene is very joyful and delightful. Also I like the vocals by her that creates very delightful atmosphere. This song is very inspiring and simple. For me it’s unforgettable. Her character is very good and she has quality to arouse emotions. She is the type of character that turns the story every time and she is the one who makes Jules and Jim active. She did some beautiful scenes with Jules and Jim which I am going to describe in nest section. She operates at level of emotions and she is thrilling and desperate. She is the one who steals the film. I have lot to write about her but I think it is enough at a moment. Oskar Werner portrays Jules and he puts simplicity into the character. Actually he puts himself into the character and shows the inner clamber of Jules. Henri looks smart and handsome in the movie. Actually both actors portray their roles perfectly. The character of Jim is more accusative but his character is shown as giving up the knotted situation. The success of the film depends upon how compatible are all three populating the love triangle. All did a great job and chemistry between them is worth watching. In the middle the story seems disarticulated but portrayals of characters are more than remunerate.
Conclusion:
I am not a great fan of French movies and I have seen very less movie of French cinema. But after watching this film I can say that Jules and Jim is a beauty of French cinema. I agree that this film is old and B/w but it doesn’t matter because it concentrates on the relationship. So I doesn’t find like an old or period film. If you want to experience complete loftiness then you must see this movie. Film is absolutely natural, well planned and elegant. I don’t know what happened to me when I finished watching Jules and Jim. I was impresses by the movie and I will remember this movie in such a way that it made me happy, wishful and desirous. This movie is characterized by lightness and insubstantiality. The originality of the film lies in absence of sentiment. This is a treat for French cinema lovers and must watch who love romantic movies.