January 2, 2007
Beginning with an unsettling pseudo-rape sequence, Francois Ozon’s 5 X 2 is a striking film. Get past the queasiness of this needlessly lurid beginning and 5 X 2 is a truly affecting account of how love can go wrong.
Ozon’s intent is simple. To tell the lovers’ tale in reverse, charting it from this violent moment backwards. Estrangement and disillusion telescope back to the joyful marriage and to the hopeful thrill of the lovers’ first meeting. It’s a devastating device. For this is not about the lovers on the screen, it’s about you, me and everyone who’s ever loved.
5 X 2 boasts a touching performance from Ozon regular Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi. But it’s the straightforward awkwardness of seeing the relationship flow backwards to its innocent beginning that yields the resonance. The scenarios are not always as believable as they could be, but there’s reality in the basic predicament. How two become one and ultimately become two again is truly a tale for our times.
5 X 2 holds the mirror up to our egotistical nature. Working at love, Ozon’s characters somehow let it slip through their fingers. It can’t fail to spark flickers of recognition. Coolly handled, with an infectious, rhythmic score and a documentary touch, it’s a class act. Subtle and moving, it’s much more.
As Ozon's trademark seaside sunset (Time to Leave) closes the film, you’ll feel both joyous and sad; and determined your relationships won't suffer the same fate.
Scalpel sharp, you’ll remember you saw it - whether you want to or not.
Ozon’s intent is simple. To tell the lovers’ tale in reverse, charting it from this violent moment backwards. Estrangement and disillusion telescope back to the joyful marriage and to the hopeful thrill of the lovers’ first meeting. It’s a devastating device. For this is not about the lovers on the screen, it’s about you, me and everyone who’s ever loved.
5 X 2 boasts a touching performance from Ozon regular Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi. But it’s the straightforward awkwardness of seeing the relationship flow backwards to its innocent beginning that yields the resonance. The scenarios are not always as believable as they could be, but there’s reality in the basic predicament. How two become one and ultimately become two again is truly a tale for our times.
5 X 2 holds the mirror up to our egotistical nature. Working at love, Ozon’s characters somehow let it slip through their fingers. It can’t fail to spark flickers of recognition. Coolly handled, with an infectious, rhythmic score and a documentary touch, it’s a class act. Subtle and moving, it’s much more.
As Ozon's trademark seaside sunset (Time to Leave) closes the film, you’ll feel both joyous and sad; and determined your relationships won't suffer the same fate.
Scalpel sharp, you’ll remember you saw it - whether you want to or not.