Wonderful, engrossing film, which does not hold much promise, as regards substance, in the early stages. About one-third of the way through the film, it begins to expand in scope from a superficial study of Bardot's burned-out marriage and love life, and a seemingly frivolous trek from Paris to London for Bardot and cohorts who are on a modeling assignment, to a complex, detailed unfolding of how life becomes complicated when one encounters social temptation, which blossoms into genuine passion, on the road.
Bardot displays a multi-faceted screen talent, as she personifies beauty and allure, to go with emotion and vulnerability, as she becomes entangled in the biggest crisis of her life - developing feelings and involvement with a man who is not her controlling, dispassionate husband, and who actually takes his attraction for Bardot to fever pitch. This brings Bardot to the threshold of major decision time, and she, seemingly, is overwhelmed and rendered indecisive by her dilemma.
This film represents a departure from the many Bardot films which stereotype and caricature her as a flirtatious, shallow "sex kitten." In fact, there is no stereotyping and little comedic humor in evidence, here, as Bardot takes on a serious role with remarkable ease and professionalism, making one wish she had been challenged to this extent, in her earlier films. Or was she just too young, prior to 1967, when, in her early 30's, she fulfilled the considerable talent and promise of her youth?
