"If You Don't, I Will" (2014 release from France; 102 min.; original title "Arrête ou je continue", "Stop or I'll Continue") brings the story of a couple, Pierre (played by Mathieu Amalric) and Pomme (played by Emmanuelle Devos). As the movie opens, we see the couple at the opening of an exhibition and it's not long before they are arguing, and arguing some more, over the littlest and pettiest things. Along the way we also get to know Pomme's college-going son (from an earlier marriage), as well as Mellie, Pierre's female friend who might have a strong interest in him. We also find out that Pomme is recovering from a benign brain tumor. Amidst all that bickering and arguing, life goes on, one weekend Pierre and Pomme go on a hike in the Chamoiselle forest (near Lyon). Imagine Pierre's shock when at the end of the hike, Pomme announces she is staying behind in the forest. How long will Pomme stay in the forest? Is this the end of the marriage? To tell you more would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.
Couple of comments: this is the latest film from French writer-director Sophie Fillières, and this time she tackles a hapless topic: how do couples manage in a loveless and bored marriage? She captures the mood perfectly on a number of occasions when Pierre and Pomme don't know how to carry on the conversation (if they are not arguing) and an awkward silence takes over. When Pomme decides to remain in the forest, there is a completely different type of silence, a liberating silence that is augmented by chirping birds and other animal sounds. I couldn't help but think back to a play from the French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre over 50 years ago when Sartre observed "L'enfer, c'est les autres" ("hell is the others"). This is not always an easy movie to watch, as the problems between Pierre and Pomme are profound and not easily fixable (if at all). Both lead stars give brilliant performances, but a special kudos for Emmanuelle Devos (you may remember her from "Coco Before Chanel").
This movie is the March, 2015 release of the Film Movement DVD-of-the-Month Club (which is how I got to see it). As always, the DVD comes with a bonus shortie, and this time we get "Driving Lessons" (2014 release from Belgium; 14 min.) where a 17 yr. old girl is required to take her grandmother along to her driving lessons... Just watch! Meanwhile, if you are in the mood for a tough marriage drama, this movie is just for you. "If you Don't, I Will" is a welcome addition to the ever-growing Film Movement library of foreign and indie movies.
