TROIS COULEURS
B L E U
(Three Colors: Blue)

1993 *** 98 mins.

Artistically, this film is very, very well-done. However, much of the "artistry" of this film is so far out there that it's a bit laughable. I hate the close-ups of Juliette Binoche's face, it makes no sense how scenes cut off in the middle just to play music and the go back to the scene, and I hate the shots of things that make no sense. For example: a close-up of a sugar cube being dipped into a cup of coffee. What's the point?

Plus, the story of this film is kind of weak. A woman's husband and daughter are killed in a car accident. What does she do? She has sex with some other guy. It's hard to tell if she's upset with her husband's and daughter's deaths or if she doesn't care. In one scene, the maid says that she is crying because Julie (Binoche) is not. In another scene, Julie is running her hand along a wall, almost in desperation, it seems. I'm sorry, but when it seems as though a filmmaker does not have a firm grasp on a character, the film loses something.

This film is still entertaining, though. The music is wonderful, although the cutting into scenes is a bit annoying. I absolutely adore the music. So, I say, give this film a chance, but don't expect it to be all that wonderful.
Rated R for sexuality and thematic elements.