Live for Life

Live for Life is a captivating French film released in 1967, directed by the critically acclaimed director Claude Lelouch. This film stands out amongst his large and varied repertoire, portraying a complex love triangle that transcends the barriers of nationality, age, and marital status. The movie casts Yves Montand, Candice Bergen, and Annie Girardot, whose performances shine astoundingly, their emotional conviction capturing the essence of the characters they portray.

Yves Montand, renowned for his versatile acting skills, plays the role of Robert Colomb, who is a successful television journalist. His character is irreverent, charming, and largely successful in his professional and personal life. Colomb can be seen enjoying his glamorous life and the perks that come with his status including traveling the world, and being in the company of influential figures. His current wife Catherine, played by Annie Girardot, is the center of Colombian's matrimonial life. Girardot's portrayal of Catherine perfects the essence of a patient, understanding, and loving wife, despite all the trials and tribulations brought forth by Colomb's lifestyle and the challenges it places on marriage.

Candice Bergen plays Candice, a beautiful, young, and enigmatic American archaeologist. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Colomb during a professional issue. The film explores the dynamics between this unusual couple and chronicles a romantic journey, that is as enigmatic and adventurous as her character. Colombe’s doubts, fears, and love for Candice and Catherine form a significant part of the film's narrative.

The narrative of Live for Life is a tasteful blend of humor, romance, and drama, tied together with its thematic exploration of infidelity, love, passion, and self-discovery. It plays out with an air of truthfulness and complexity that does not shy away from displaying the realities of the time it depicts and the characters it portrays, posing questions on the nature of love, commitment, and relationship dynamics.

The plot unfolds in several international locations, from France to Vietnam, infusing the narrative with cultural nuances that further deepen the characters and their relationships. It uses the backdrop of the Vietnam War to create a symbolic commentary on internal conflicts, portraying how wars fought on the outside can mirror the wars fought within the human psyche.

The director, Claude Lelouch, presented the plot in a non-linear manner which was innovative for its time. The story progresses with various intercutting flashbacks and current scenes, leaving the viewer intrigued about the narrative and characters. It breaks from chronological narration engaging audiences in a manner where the plot unravels organically, attempting to match the chaotic pace of real-life emotions.

Artistically, it incorporates innovative visual and auditory techniques. The film's cinematography captures the essence of each location, the charm of Paris, the wildness of Africa, and the chaos brought by the Vietnam war. Lelouch’s storytelling approach is highly enriched by the robust music by Francis Lai, which echoes the emotions of the characters, their conflicts, and passions, and plays a vital role in shaping the narrative rhythm.

In terms of awards, the film received several nominations and awards. It won the Golden Globe for Best Original Song and got Francis Lai an Oscar for the Best Music, Original Score. The film was also a nominee at the 1968 Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.

In all, Live for Life is a stellar cinematic feat, filled with artistic detail and profound performances. It is a narrative of relationships and societal roles. The exceptional performances by Yves Montand, Candice Bergen, and Annie Girardot paint an intriguing picture of a complicated love triangle that simultaneously reflects on the human condition. The less-than-idealistic portrayal of life and relationships makes it a relatable masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences globally. It is a perfect blend of dramatic tensions, heartfelt dialogues, passionate romance, bitter realities, and incredible music. An absolute must-watch for fans of French cinema and romantic dramas.