Va Savoir

2001 Comedy Drama

A romantic comedy from acclaimed French director Jacques Rivette (La Belle Noiseuse), this film centers on three men and three women whose lives converge during the run of a play in Paris. The star of the play, Camille (Jeanne Balibar), is returning to Paris after leaving her stuffy boyfriend Pierre (Jacques Bonaffe) and residing in Italy. Her Italian theater company has brought her to France, where the show is run by her lover, director, and co-star Ugo (Sergio Castellitto). Ugo is concerned with the show's poor attendance, but also busy searching for a long-lost play by an Italian playwright. While on his quest, he discovers the beautiful young Do (Helene De Fougerolles), a student who offers to help him. Do's mother has a library that may contain the lost play, and Ugo runs into her possessive half-sibling Arthur (Bruno Todeschini), a shady man pursuing an affair with Pierre's wife Sonia (Mariane Basler), who also has a questionable past. After a brooding dinner at Pierre and Sonia's home, tensions mount in everybody's relationships and their romantic journeys are similarly tested. A lighter work from the usually dramatic filmmaker Rivette, the film was made by the director at the amazing age of 73. more..

Director: Jacques Rivette

Starring: Jeanne Balibar,Sergio Castellitto, Marianne Basler, Jacques Bonnaffe, Helene de Fougerolles

Reviews

  • It's all very French, very intricate, and -- this is Rivette's magic -- seemingly as light as air.

    Lisa Schwarzbaum - Entertainment Weekly

    20 January 2013

  • It's undeniably a trifle, but rarely is something like this done with such skill and, well, savoir-faire.

    A.O. Scott - The New York Times

    20 January 2013

  • This masterful celebration starts off slowly, even uncertainly, giving no hint of the rich and elegant exploration of love, jealousy and animal attraction it will in all good time become.

    Kenneth Turan - Los Angeles Times

    20 January 2013

  • Souffle-light and airily playful.

    Jay Carr - The Boston Globe

    20 January 2013

  • Abounds in pleasures.

    Peter Travers - Rolling Stone

    20 January 2013

Awards

  • Jacques Rivette

    Cannes Film Festival (2001)

     
  • Most Promising Actress (Meilleur jeune espoir féminin)

    César Awards, France (2002)

     
  • Best Foreign Actor (Mejor Actor Extranjero)

    Sant Jordi Awards (2003)

  • Best Foreign Film

    Turia Awards (2003)

  • Jacques Rivette

    Valladolid International Film Festival (2001)