Lila, Lila

This movie can be found in the streaming services under its original title Lila Lila or My Words, My Lies, My Love, surely one the most ludicrous movie titles in cinema history. The movie has many similarities to the later Hollywood production The Words (2012), although the writers of The Words claimed ignorance of Lila Lila and the novel on which it is based.

The Words is not exceptional, but Lila Lila is a far lesser movie. Daniel Bruhl plays the protagonist David Kern with his usual earnestness but he runs out of charisma after a few minutes and becomes annoying. This may not be his fault, since his lines are full of clichés. The plot is at the same time contrived and predictable and the protagonist monumentally dishonest, which prevents empathy from the viewer. Another key character, Jacky, is too obnoxious and acted over-the top. The rest of the personages (including girlfriend) are out-of-this-world naive. And, finally, the plot resolution requires a character to disappear, thus is duly disposed of (same as in The Words). A prime example of narrative dishonesty. The toxic conclusion seems to be, if you are a nobody (why a waiter has to be a nobody?) cheat and lie your way to fame, fortune and success with the ladies. Everything will be OK at the end.

I found nothing positive in this movie. A miss.