'Love Me If You Dare' - Netflix 5/11/05
Essentially this French film illustrates the struggle between reality and imagination, and consequently, childhood and adulthood.
Dialectics occur early in the movie: the credit sequence superimposes a floating, colorful carousel over images of dirt. Simultaneously, there are drilling and jackhammer noises in constrast to the stringed, airy score. The visual and audio elements conflict from the opening moments of the story to articulate the dialectical nature of the narrative. Later, the characters discuss "dialectics," furthering this theme.
Beyond the visuals, soundtrack, and dialogue, the elements of the story also examine conflicting ideas. As the two central characters, Sophie and Julien, grow from childhood to adulthood their tenuous grip on reality breaks apart. The two dare each other to perform increasingly perverse and dangerous stunts, each assured of eventual mutual destruction. (Which does happen, maybe, in a really weird way that fits the characters who cannot maintain successful places in any context of reality.)
The fantasies of children turn to perverse daydreams of adults. Late in the film, the audience can be as easily confused by and caught up in the dares as the characters, which is a compliment to the director and the story, who take two unlikeable characters and make them compelling to watch, to say the least. One realizes when watching the film that this clash between fantasy and reality will have to end and can only end in disaster, as is the case with most eternal conflicts, particularly when people lose themselves so deeply in a world of their own creation. While dialectics showcase conflict, harmony can be found within the film, as well.
Match cuts throughout highlight the similarity of Sophie and Julien, how they are only truly happy when they are together and involved in their dare game. The beauty and richness of the colors and cinematography add both to the fantastical nature of the film and to the love between the protagonists.
'Dare' also explores a common thematic element, love. What the film seems to say about love is that real love has no limits, sets no rules, makes no demands and is without condition. This is the love that Julien's mother had for him. His father, in contrast, will only give his love to Julien if Julien follows his rules (and stays away from Sophie). Julien initially rejects Sophie because she makes up rules and distinction between the game and their relationship. The ending suggests that there is no perfect love ... and nothing is permanent.
Visually, 'Dare' is reminiscent of 'Amelie,' and also shares a sense of mischief. 'Dare,' however, is much less heart-warming than 'Amelie,' and yet manages to be more honest about the nature of those who live in a world of fantasy.
Additionally, Marion Cotillard, as Sophie, delivers a beautiful performance. Her scene in the restaurant, as she tries to hide her feelings and yet gives the game away, as it were, is flawless.
Overall, 'Dare' is both lovely and difficult to watch, though worth viewing for those who can stomach some despicable behavior.
Dialectics occur early in the movie: the credit sequence superimposes a floating, colorful carousel over images of dirt. Simultaneously, there are drilling and jackhammer noises in constrast to the stringed, airy score. The visual and audio elements conflict from the opening moments of the story to articulate the dialectical nature of the narrative. Later, the characters discuss "dialectics," furthering this theme.
Beyond the visuals, soundtrack, and dialogue, the elements of the story also examine conflicting ideas. As the two central characters, Sophie and Julien, grow from childhood to adulthood their tenuous grip on reality breaks apart. The two dare each other to perform increasingly perverse and dangerous stunts, each assured of eventual mutual destruction. (Which does happen, maybe, in a really weird way that fits the characters who cannot maintain successful places in any context of reality.)
The fantasies of children turn to perverse daydreams of adults. Late in the film, the audience can be as easily confused by and caught up in the dares as the characters, which is a compliment to the director and the story, who take two unlikeable characters and make them compelling to watch, to say the least. One realizes when watching the film that this clash between fantasy and reality will have to end and can only end in disaster, as is the case with most eternal conflicts, particularly when people lose themselves so deeply in a world of their own creation. While dialectics showcase conflict, harmony can be found within the film, as well.
Match cuts throughout highlight the similarity of Sophie and Julien, how they are only truly happy when they are together and involved in their dare game. The beauty and richness of the colors and cinematography add both to the fantastical nature of the film and to the love between the protagonists.
'Dare' also explores a common thematic element, love. What the film seems to say about love is that real love has no limits, sets no rules, makes no demands and is without condition. This is the love that Julien's mother had for him. His father, in contrast, will only give his love to Julien if Julien follows his rules (and stays away from Sophie). Julien initially rejects Sophie because she makes up rules and distinction between the game and their relationship. The ending suggests that there is no perfect love ... and nothing is permanent.
Visually, 'Dare' is reminiscent of 'Amelie,' and also shares a sense of mischief. 'Dare,' however, is much less heart-warming than 'Amelie,' and yet manages to be more honest about the nature of those who live in a world of fantasy.
Additionally, Marion Cotillard, as Sophie, delivers a beautiful performance. Her scene in the restaurant, as she tries to hide her feelings and yet gives the game away, as it were, is flawless.
Overall, 'Dare' is both lovely and difficult to watch, though worth viewing for those who can stomach some despicable behavior.