He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not (subtitles)

This happens to be one of those films where anything I say will reveal important aspects of it and potentially spoil the experience, but Ill do my best. And for those of you who speak French, the real title is la folie... pas du tout.

This is the story of a young woman who falls in love with a married doctor. But it is not a usual love story. It is first and foremost a showcase for the lovely young French actress Audrey Tautou. I reviewed her starring role in the internationally successful film, Amlie (2001) in January of this year. My opinion has been reinforced, i.e. she has a terrific range of expression and the camera makes use of it. I would also still refer to her as an Audrey Hepburn look-a-like. She has the same pixie appeal and doll like quality that Hepburn was able to use to such great advantage.

What I found fascinating about this story line is the fact that it is Tautous pixie persona that takes us, the audience, right into the plot so completely that we dont even realize its happening. And I would place this plot line in the same category with films like Sliding Doors (1998) and Run, Lola Run (1998). But its not the same, i.e. its not that kind of an alternate reality film.

You may find as I did, that some of the medical profession process involving the doctor didnt ring true, but then, I have never been in a French hospital. A couple of things affect the plot, but setting them aside, it was a very interesting film and one I feel comfortable recommending.

Reviewed September 29, 2003