Mes nuits sont plus belles que vos jours (1989)

User Rating:

5.9/10   

Director:

Andrzej Zulawski

Writer:

Andrzej Zulawski (writer)

Release Date:

19 April 1989 (France)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Plot:

Lucas has invented a new computer language but at the same time he has been informed about his strange...

Plot Keywords:

Terminal Illness | Computer | Bizarre | Male Frontal Nudity | Rhyme

Cast

Sophie Marceau	...	Blanche
Jacques Dutronc	...	Lucas
Valérie Lagrange	...	Blanche's mère
Myriam Mézières	...	Edwige
Laure Killing	...	Ines
François Chaumette	...	Concierge
Sady Rebbot	...	François
Salim Talbi	...	Page
Jean-Pierre Hebrard	...	Michel
Michael Goldman
Marc Zammit
Christophe Luthringer
Isabelle Illiers
Isabel Schiffmacker
Jean Dolande

Also Known As:

My Nights Are More Beautiful Than Your Days

Runtime:

110 min | Germany:86 min

Country:

France

Language:

French

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Certification:

Germany:12 (re-rating) (2007) (uncut) | West Germany:16 (original rating) (cut)

Filming Locations:

Biarritz, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France

Company:

Saris

Bizarre French love story

One thing is for sure when it comes to director Andrzej Zulawski; he divides opinion. My only taste of him prior to seeing this film was the fantastic Possession; which in my opinion is nothing short of a masterpiece. My Nights are More Beautiful than Your Days is an attempt at a romantic film; but naturally since it's also a Andrzej Zulawski film, it's anything but ordinary and is likely to polarise its viewers. Personally, I'm of the opinion that this film is not as great as Possession; but is still an interesting and beautiful film that deserves to be seen! The film focuses on Lucas; a man that has just invented a new computer language...but has unfortunately also been told that he's losing his memory due to a strange terminal illness that the doctors can't put their fingers on. While out with a friend, Lucas happens upon a young woman and the pair end up hitting it off after she throws a lighter at him. Shortly after, she leaves to put on her mind reading show; and love struck Lucas follows her.

This is a film that has much more style than substance; and the director plays up to this fact as much as possible and much of the film is extremely beautiful. The plot is certainly bizarre (though never as bizarre as Zulowski's earlier and more famous opus), although it mostly makes sense enough for the viewer to easily follow it. Jacques Dutronc takes the lead role and does well with it; convincing as the rather strange lead character. He stars opposite the beautiful Sophie Marceau; and the director makes good use of her by showing off her body on numerous occasions. It has to be said that the film doesn't really go anywhere; but in spite of that, getting there is an interesting ride. Several scenes (most notably a sequence from the leading lady's show) will stick in the mind long after the film has finished. The film does boil down to a suitable conclusion, although it doesn't really bring any closure to the characters. Overall, this film won't be for everyone; but if you appreciate style and beauty; there might be something for you here.