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Jules et Jim (1962)
There is so much energy to Truffaut's direction here that it seems almost impossible to fall for his passion for filmmaking, even if you can't fall for any of the three characters; however, I did fall for them, and I attribute this to brilliant personal development which puts an emphasis on the characters' flaws rather than their charms, making them totally human. We are never a step ahead of these people, and they are never a step ahead of each other or themselves. Their decisions are quick and thoughtless, coming only from the heart (or from a little lower, sometimes), and the free-spirited love triangle that forms is admirable if only for its organicness. In contrast to Truffaut's first feature film, there are no borders or boundaries to the characters; they are not trapped by anything, and neither war nor business can keep the curious entanglement between Jules and Catherine and Jim apart. The director's playful style has similarities to some of his friend Godard's, but Truffaut's seems lighter and more sincere; he actually has fun exploring the world of Jules and Jim, and because of his enthusiasm there is never a dull moment. Funny, charming, strange and poetic.
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