Like a mystery film in which all will hopefully be revealed in the last act, the brilliance of this title, and specifically of its reverse chronological order, is in leaving the audience with big questions looming overhead. Or perhaps I should say, one big question: how in the world did these two people ever possibly end up together in the first place? The scenes to greet us from the start are stark, depressing, and at points downright grim, and even heading into the last third of the length any lighter moments are only fleeting. Philippe Rombi's score rather accentuates that tone, and even those happier, peppier love songs that dot the length, intended to provide counterbalance, ironically serve in their way to amplify the tense airs for lack of meaningful contrast. If I'm being honest '5x2' was not quite what I was expecting, insofar as it's notably more frank and cynical than I'd have supposed even based on the premise.
Whether it's filmmaker François Ozon or co-writer Emmanuèle Bernheim who is more responsible for the overall tenor is a fair question, I think, but what comes across to me here is a dour perspective on both men and women, and relationships of any nature. The female characters are very sympathetic while the men are emphatically not, and still every character, or at least the scenes to feature them, are written in a way that serves to in some capacity demonize them (mostly the men), or distinctly paint them (mostly the women) as victims ever at the mercy of others. '5x2' rather seems to have very pessimistic things to say about the potential for any dealings between two people; the first whole descriptor to come to mind here is "anti-romantic drama." While not in exactly the same ways, and while not so abjectly bleak or violent, in some measure I'm actually reminded of Lars von Trier's 'Antichrist' for how jaded this feature approaches these notions. For what it's worth, such as it is the picture is well done and engaging.
The cast give fine, nuanced performances, and by all means Valeria Bruni Tedeschi stands out most for her portrayal of beleaguered Marion, deftly navigating the greater emotional range and depth that the role requires. Kudos to the hair and makeup artists for splendid work that subtly but importantly reflects the trajectory of the central relationship; the viewing experience wouldn't be quite the same without it. And whatever else is true of '5x2,' I think Ozon's direction is solid in orchestrating scenes, and all involved definitely took advantage of a screenplay that's altogether ripe with drama for interpretation.
Still, with all this said: how is the movie? I did enjoy watching. For as striking as it is in the first of five segments, though, and intermittently thereafter, there's no singular lightning bolt of ingenuity, even with that one question wittily left to linger throughout the length. All involved made earnest, commendable contributions to tell a compelling if broadly downtrodden story. Only, am I likely to think back much on the title hereafter? Probably not. It's worth checking out if one comes across it, and is suggested most for those who are fans of one person or another who participated. Otherwise, going out of one's way for '5x2' isn't necessary, but it's a duly engrossing and ably made viewing experience if does have the chance to watch.
Whether it's filmmaker François Ozon or co-writer Emmanuèle Bernheim who is more responsible for the overall tenor is a fair question, I think, but what comes across to me here is a dour perspective on both men and women, and relationships of any nature. The female characters are very sympathetic while the men are emphatically not, and still every character, or at least the scenes to feature them, are written in a way that serves to in some capacity demonize them (mostly the men), or distinctly paint them (mostly the women) as victims ever at the mercy of others. '5x2' rather seems to have very pessimistic things to say about the potential for any dealings between two people; the first whole descriptor to come to mind here is "anti-romantic drama." While not in exactly the same ways, and while not so abjectly bleak or violent, in some measure I'm actually reminded of Lars von Trier's 'Antichrist' for how jaded this feature approaches these notions. For what it's worth, such as it is the picture is well done and engaging.
The cast give fine, nuanced performances, and by all means Valeria Bruni Tedeschi stands out most for her portrayal of beleaguered Marion, deftly navigating the greater emotional range and depth that the role requires. Kudos to the hair and makeup artists for splendid work that subtly but importantly reflects the trajectory of the central relationship; the viewing experience wouldn't be quite the same without it. And whatever else is true of '5x2,' I think Ozon's direction is solid in orchestrating scenes, and all involved definitely took advantage of a screenplay that's altogether ripe with drama for interpretation.
Still, with all this said: how is the movie? I did enjoy watching. For as striking as it is in the first of five segments, though, and intermittently thereafter, there's no singular lightning bolt of ingenuity, even with that one question wittily left to linger throughout the length. All involved made earnest, commendable contributions to tell a compelling if broadly downtrodden story. Only, am I likely to think back much on the title hereafter? Probably not. It's worth checking out if one comes across it, and is suggested most for those who are fans of one person or another who participated. Otherwise, going out of one's way for '5x2' isn't necessary, but it's a duly engrossing and ably made viewing experience if does have the chance to watch.