"Greetings desolation, all of a sudden this past summer"
Hanging Out on a French Riviera Beach, Teenager Cecile Lives a Carefree Life with her Dad and His Partner. But When Anne, the Best Friend of Cecile's Late Mother, Moves in, Tension Arises. Cecile Hatches a Plan to Separate Raymond and Anne, With Unforeseen Consequences. Based on the Classic Novel by Francoise Sagan, Bonjour Tristesse Stars Lily McInerny and Chloe Sevigny.
In 1954, Francoise Sagan, only 18 years old, published her first novel, Bonjour Tristesse, which swiftly gained extraordinary success. Hollywood saw this opportunity and adapted the book in 1958 by Otto Preminger, known for movies such as Laura and Anatomy of a Murder. However, the film lacked the sensitivity and subtlety required to truly capture the novel's essence. Canadian filmmaker Durga Chew-Bose, unhindered by such limitations, took on the project.
Lily McInerny, who plays Cecile, was thrilled to bring Sagan's beautiful words to life at the Toronto International Film Festival's premiere. She was particularly captivated by the intricate relationships between women in the novel: Cecile, Anne, and Elsa. Sex and love are central themes, but Chew-Bose explores these topics through the prism of feminine interactions, including Raymond, Cecile's father, and Cyril, a neighbor friend-lover enlisted by Cecile as part of her plan.
Chloe Sevigny (Anne) initially had doubts about the project, worrying about the storyline of an older woman losing her man to a younger, more seductive woman. However, Sevigny found relevance in the story after realizing it still occurs in real life. Durga Chew-Bose's film goes beyond this premise, as proved by Sevigny's character, Anne, who is not only a designer but also shares a profession with Chloe Sevigny.
The movie stands out for its remarkable craftsmanship and stunningly beautiful locations. McInerny recalls a unique shooting experience, feeling an intimate bond both on and off-set in the magnificent surroundings with beautiful people. Despite a measured pace that verges on lethargy at times, the film's succession of exquisite tableaus showcases Chew-Bose's meticulous attention to mise-en-scène and the characters' constant performances for one another135.
Cast and Characters
- Lily McInerny as Cecile: McInerny portrays the complexities of Cecile's emotional journey, capturing the struggle between her desire for independence and her turmoil amidst changing family dynamics.
- Chloë Sevigny as Anne: Sevigny's performance as Anne is characterized by her reserved yet subtly authoritative presence, playing a woman with a mysterious past who endeavors to exert control over Cecile.
Both actresses bring depth and nuance to their characters, exploring themes of identity, family, and personal growth in a languid yet emotionally charged summer setting25.
- French filmmaker Durga Chew-Bose, inspired by Francoise Sagan's novel, reimagined the classic story of 'Bonjour Tristesse,' setting the movie amidst the landscapes of movies-and-tv, entertainment.
- Claes' portrayal of Cecile's neighbor friend-lover, Cyril, adds a layer of complexity to the movie's dynamics, as he is enlisted by Cecile in her plot to separate Raymond and Anne.
- In a captivating departure from the original adaptation, Chloe Sevigny found parallels between her character, Anne, and her own professional life in the entertainment industry.
- Accolades pour to 'Bonjour Tristesse' for its exceptional craftsmanship and stunning locations, offering an immersive experience for both the characters and the actors, such as French actress Francoise (Sagan), who penned the novel.
