In the Shadow of Women

Philippe Garrel still manages to surprise. Well received at Cannes, In the Shadow of Women is his most original film in years. With a running time of barely 70 minutes, this touching story about love is reminiscent of Bergman's Scenes From a Marriage in miniature. This time, the usually serious Garrel adopts an ironic stance typical of Eric Rohmer or Milan Kundera. Full of conflicting emotions, the atmosphere in In the Shadow of Women perfectly reflects the nature of the complicated relationship between Pierre and Manon. The protagonists are a couple in both their private and professional lives, as they make independent documentary films together. Their idyllic relationship begins to fall apart when Pierre starts cheating on his wife. Manon does not remain beholden to him, however, as she also finds a lover. Thus begins a fascinating game between the two main characters. Although they both do their best to be calculating and cynical, they cannot hide the fact that they are still in love. In an unexpected finale, their failing relationship gets some unexpected help in the form of the magic of cinema.