Review of Stolen Kisses (1968) by Edgar C — 29 Jul 2014
If there was a director more suited for directing comedy as a part of the Nouvelle Vague ( love pronouncing that term), it was Truffaut. For the second time he directs comedy and employs Léaud in a feature length movie. Sure, we had Tati, but it is surprising, even for a Truffaut follower, how light-hearted this film progressively gets. It lacks a sense of consistency, and that's the point. It goes everywhere like a leaf in a tornado without caring about its course and yet remaining surprisingly charming.
Jean-Pierre Léaud is the most underrated actor ever in my book and personal experience. Acting comes so naturally to him that one wonders the extent to which he is portraying himself, like some directors did in front of the camera in their obsessive, but undeniably stylish cameos. The whole array of anecdotes in the life of the protagonist, who once again likes to read Balzac, like some of the main characters in Truffaut's films (hadn't you noticed?), feels like improvisatory bliss for the sake of entertainment, and it even resorts to slapstick and "dumbness" humor in the vein of Mr. Hulot.
Anyway, just watch this delight. A simple review for a simple film. Truffaut was, once again, finding his language, continuing Antoine Doniel's story for the fourth time.
81/100.
This review of Stolen Kisses (1968) was written by Edgar C on 29 July 2014.
Stolen Kisses has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
