‘Girl on the Bridge’ is a tale of wayward romance

Girl on the Bridge, an exquisite little French film from 2000, is a simple story that uses the conventions of cinematic romances to an alluring and often realistic effect.

Filmed in beautiful black and white, the 90-minute film starts with one of the saddest moments in someone’s life: a potential suicide.

Adele (the sumptuous Vanessa Paradis) is standing on a bridge overlooking the Seine River, ready to jump and quit her life. We don’t know why she’s so sad, and what has driven her to the edge, but we know that melancholia has overtaken her.

Just as she is about to jump, she is met by Gabor (Daniel Auteuil), who greets the young lady and offers her a second chance. He’s a knife thrower for a traveling circus and she’s a woman who wants to throw her life away, perhaps they can strike a deal? Gabor asks Adele to become his assistant. If she doesn’t care about dying, then perhaps she won’t care about having knives thrown at her for a living.

The two agree on the terms of their new arrangement and soon enough they are whisked away to perform in front of the oohing and aahing masses of France.

Patrice Leconte, who directs the film, keeps the action small and quaint. This is a tango enjoyed by only two people. There are few supporting characters and the spotlight rarely leaves Gabor and Adele. In many ways, I was reminded of Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy’s work in Before Sunrise and Before Sunset: This is a romance that evolves through conversation. The one major difference is that Gabor and Adele have a furious violence built into their relationship. When the knives start to fly through the air, Adele realizes that maybe death isn’t in her cards. Perhaps there is more to life than being a floating body in the famous river that snakes its way through Paris.

Serge Frydman does an admirable job with the screenplay. His words always come easy and genuine. And thanks to the great acting from both leads, Girl on the Bridge feels as organic as can be. For a case of melancholy, try this little Parisian gem.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

• Girl on the Bridge

• 2000

• Directed by Patrice Leconte

• Written by Serge Frydman

• Starring Vanessa Paradis and Daniel Auteuil

• Running time: 90 minutes

• Rated R for some sexuality

• In French, with English subtitles

• Rating: