Film Reviews: 'L'Amour au présent'
Directed by John Crowley, 'L'Amour au présent' is a romantic drama featuring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh. This film, which spans the course of ten years, explores the heartfelt moments of love set against the backdrop of life's unpredictable challenges.
At its core, the film tells the story of Tobias, played by Garfield, and Almut, portrayed by Pugh. Their relationship starts under unusual circumstances involving a collision, which leads to Tobias being hospitalized and Almut inviting him to dinner at her restaurant to make amends. This initial meeting is just the beginning of their love story, which evolves as the plot weaves through significant milestones, including the birth of their daughter and Almut's battle with terminal illness.
What makes 'L'Amour au présent' stand out is Crowley’s approach to storytelling. Instead of adhering to a traditional timeline, he embraces non-linearity, allowing viewers to experience the emotional weight of the couple’s relationship through impressionistic scenes. This stylistic choice effectively mirrors the essence of love, which is often filled with both joyous and heartbreaking moments.
According to Le Monde, "The emotion proceeds by echoes, from moment to moment, the emotion precedes each scene and for so to speak introduces it.” This reflects Crowley's ability to resonate with the audience on multiple levels, evoking strong feelings through simple yet powerful scenes.
Throughout the film, viewers are treated to exquisite performances from both leads. Pugh’s Almut is characterized by her zest for life and ambitious culinary aspirations, driving her desire to win prestigious awards. On the other hand, Garfield's Tobias exhibits the fragility of someone still reeling from personal loss, making their dynamic even more compelling.
The film deftly navigates the delicate balance between lightheartedness and more serious undertones, presenting life’s transient nature and its impact on relationships. Such complexity is masterfully captured without losing the sense of warmth and connection so pivotal to romantic storytelling.
Le Monde emphasizes, “John Crowley does not turn it (the genre)into an exercise of style arty but rather uses it as the opportunity for a very bare delicacy.” This sentiment is indicative of how the film eschews heavy-handed sentimentality for something more genuine, proving less is often more when conveying deep emotional truths.
By focusing on the small yet significant aspects of Tobias and Almut’s life together, 'L'Amour au présent' invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences of love and loss. It subtly reminds us of the importance of cherishing each passing moment, whether joyful or sorrowful, as they collectively shape our lives.
This thoughtful approach makes 'L'Amour au présent' not only engaging but also relatable. Audiences can appreciate the shared struggles and triumphs of the couple as they navigate their relationship, fostering a connection with the characters throughout the film.
Concluding with this exploration of love, 'L'Amour au présent' pleases from start to finish, delivering not just a story but also life lessons wrapped in beautifully crafted cinematic moments. The film stands as both an homage to the simple joys of love and a tribute to the inevitability of life’s challenges.
Overall, Crowley’s work serves as another reminder of the power of cinema to capture the spectrum of human emotions, leaving viewers with lasting impressions and reflections long after the credits roll.