Noises off. An anonymous couple (Baye and Lopez) are reminded that life goes on outside their liaison.
They meet as strangers and we never know any more about them than they share with each other. She (Baye) is looking for someone to fulfil a particular fantasy; he (Lopez) answers her ad in a magazine. And as they tell their story to an interviewer, the little disparities in their accounts don't seem to matter as the heart of the affair comes out. They both fall in love ... but will the nature of their relationship allow them to admit it to each other?
Baye and Lopez bring a natural honesty to their roles, from the initial awkwardness to the strangely open relationship (no sexual tension, since they got that out of the way to begin with), to feelings of love and deep desire that go far beyond their initial fantasy. It's quite a clever concept, and the script and direction keep it interesting, even as it succumbs to all the tired hallmarks of French romantic cinema, from the aching glances to the internal turmoil to the fatalistic climax. Intriguing and insightful, but not very engaging or moving.
[15--adult themes and situations, language] 13.Jun.00
US release 21.Apr.00; UK release 16.Jun.00
