Jules and Jim

About Jules and Jim

Directed by François Truffaut, "Jules and Jim" is a 1962 French New Wave film. The story, set in pre and post-World War I, follows a trio that consists of two friends—Austrian Jules and French Jim—and an object of their mutual affection: a free-spirited woman named Catherine. Jules and Jim begin their friendship with a shared interest in arts and women, which deepens with the introduction of Catherine. The movie portrays an atypical love triangle that endures the echos of war, marriages, new relations, and heartbreaks.

Making / Production

Adapted from Henri-Pierre Roché's 1953 semi-autobiographical novel, Francois Truffaut wrote the screenplay with the help of Jean Gruault. The movie was shot in several locations around France and notably employed newsreel footage and photographic stills. Innovative techniques like narration, freeze frames, and montage were also incorporated, making it an exceptional piece in French New Wave cinema.

Actors

• Jeanne Moreau as Catherine: She brings life to Catherine's dynamic character, convincingly oscillating between joy, madness, and melancholy.
• Oskar Werner as Jules: Werner impeccably portrays Jules' wavering emotional stability throughout the movie.
• Henri Serre as Jim: Henri embodies the more grounded and composed of the two friends.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Director Truffaut has stated that the character of Catherine was based on the real-life woman who had relationships with both Henri-Pierre Roché and himself.
• The film was almost banned by the French government due to its scenes shot during World War I.

Awards

The film was awarded the 1962 Grand Prix of the Belgian Film Critics Association. It also received two BAFTA nominations.

Quotes

• "You said, 'I love you,' I said, 'Wait.' I was going to say, 'Take me,' you said, 'Go away.'" - Catherine
• "We played with life and lost." - Jules

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's scintillating score by Georges Delerue is celebrated and was even used later in various other films and commercials.
• Noteworthy pieces include "Jules et Jim" theme, "Bordeaux," "Finale," and "Le Tourbillon De La Vie," performed by Jeanne Moreau.