Les regrets (France 2009)

In his latest film "Les regrets", French director Cedric Kahn explores subjects familiar from his previous films. As in the Moravia adaptation "L'ennui" and his 2004 film about a serial kiler, "Roberto Succo", it is about an obsessive love affair that seems to destroy the couple more than it makes them happy.

The couple here is played by veteran actors Yvan Attal and Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi. Attal gives a more subtle performance than usual while Bruni-Tedeschi sticks to the fragile yet sensual woman she often portrays. It is certainly not the fault of these classy actors that the passion of their relationship never truly comes alive on screen. The direction of Cedric Kahn lacks any inventions and the story itself does not break any new ground either.

The main reason why I myself did not regret to see the film was the music by Philipp Glass. At 74, the great composer is still at the top of his game. His score manages to drag you in even if the film fails to do so...

6/10

Crazy in love: Yvan Attal and Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi