Summary
Nelly leaves her affluent partner, André, to have a passionate love affair with
Loulou, an unemployed layabout. Although André has the money, Loulou has
time – and seemingly inexhaustible sexual magnetism.
Review
This film is a satire of modern living and explores the relative merits of prosperity
and the freedom that unemployment can bring. Pialat argues that having a good job
and a nice home is no substitute for a fulfilling love life.
The film's focus is a stormy love triangle involving a very young Isabelle Huppert, Gérard
Depardieu and Guy Marchard. Despite some respectable performances from all three
actors, the film drags, seemingly drifting without any purpose.
As in many of Pialat's films, the narrative is far less important than the naturalistic
depiction of belieavable characters. The fundamental problem with Loulou is
that whilst it feels truthful it is just too much of a chore to sit through.
© James Travers 1999
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