L'important c'est d'aimer

L'important c'est d'aimer is a riveting sweep of raw emotion, passion, and desperation, conveying the intensity of complex human relationships. Released in 1975, the film reveals the underbelly of the film industry, and painfully unpacks the struggles, ambitions, and vulnerabilities of its characters. Directed by Polish filmmaker Andrzej Żuławski, this French-Italian drama paints an intense picture of love, despair, and redemption.

The narrative is centered around three multifaceted protagonists, framed against the backdrop of a showbiz milieu. Romy Schneider, the legendary Austrian actress, ignites the screen with a performance that adds depth, nuance, and poignancy to the tormented figure of Nadine Chevalier. She plays the role of a down-on-her-luck actress attempting to balance her desperate yearning for success with the harsh reality of failure that constantly threatens to consume her.

Fabio Testi takes on the role of Servais Mont, a passionate and somewhat misunderstood photographer whose life becomes intricately entwined with Nadine's after a chance encounter. Servais' character is face to face with his own demons, contending with the moral and ethical dilemmas that encircle his line of work. His deeply layered character oscillates between moments of joy and despair.

Jacques Dutronc plays Jacques Chevalier, Nadine's estranged husband, struggling with his own personal failures. His character brings about a fresh perspective on the volatile relationship strains under mounting pressure and the myriad complexities of a love that is strained under the weight of frustration and unfulfilled dreams.

L'important c'est d'aimer wonderfully blends distinct elements of drama, romance, and film-noir to bring out an emotionally charged narrative. It uncovers the world of showbiz in all its unforgiving ruthlessness, while also dissecting the dynamics of relationship strains. Most importantly, the film investigates the soul's desperate plight for love and acceptance in a world that frequently confuses appearance for reality.

The film opens with an intense episode that sets the tone for the rest of the narrative. We are introduced to the world of struggling actress Nadine Chevalier, whose efforts to resuscitate her career are met with relentless disappointment. Her struggle is contrasted by her husband's indolent attitude, further widening the emotional chasm between them.

In the midst of Nadine's struggle, Servais emerges as a beacon of hope, lured by her undeniable talent and ethereal beauty. His distraction descends into obsession, as he plunges headlong into the whirlpool of Nadine's tumultuous life.

Żuławski's direction brings raw and powerful performances from the cast, deftly balancing despair, passion, adversity, and redemption. The director leaves no stone unturned to explore every intricacy of the characters, their motivations and dilemmas, their desires and frantic escapes. The layered narrative, underlined by an extraordinary performance by the lead characters, leaves the audience deeply immersed in its nuanced storytelling.

This movie brings out the best career performance from Romy Schneider, showcasing the depths of her acting prowess in a groundbreaking cinematic milieu. The cinematography, with its bleak and downcast frames, echoes the hope and despair that builds the foundation of the story that it's trying to tell. The haunting musical score reverberates through the narrative amplifying the mental states of the characters.

L'important c'est d'aimer strikes a balance between the tragic and the sublime, resulting in a resonate examination of the human condition. Amid the prevalent despair and desperation, the film also maintains a thread of frail optimism, landing on the universal truth: Despite chaos and desolation, love's triumph is of paramount importance.

In conclusion, L'important c'est d'aimer represents a cinematic exploration of the human spirit, society's labels, and love's indiscriminate disguises. Żuławski's mastery of narrative and his unflinching gaze on human vulnerability makes this film a deeply stirring exploration of life's complex struggles and the importance of love in navigating through them. With astonishing performances and a comprehensive understanding of human relationships, L'important c'est d'aimer is truly a masterpiece of cinematic storytelling.