MUBI

Even if I hated the film (which I didn’t) I would love this film for the simple fact that it got made. I can’t imagine anyone pitching a movie like this to the studios today and if anyone does, props to them for having balls.

The conversation between Gregory and Shawn is never flat or stuck on a single track — every time I started to feel a need to interject, Shawn interjected for me, as if anticipating the natural flow of the conversation had it been for real. Malle’s direction is understated with just the right tone. Every shot is framed perfectly, with the mirror beside the dining table showing Gregory’s face simultaneously with Shawn’s, allowing the audience to see both faces as words tumble out of their mouths in an exchange of memories and ideas.

The actors have stated that they would be willing to swap roles in a remake, if only to prove the point that they were not necessarily playing themselves. Now that’s an interesting proposition!