Malady of Love
Two physicians, one old and one young, fall in love with the same woman, Juliette, a quixotic hairdresser. First, she is with Raoul, the older one; then passion for Clément, the younger doctor, takes over. Raoul fights back, playing on Clément's guilt and Juliette's lack of self-assurance; then, Clément makes his case to Juliette, abandons his fiancée, and takes her to the provinces where he sets up practice and asks her to have a baby. She panics and abruptly leaves Clément, taking up with Raoul again. When she contracts Hodgkin's disease and the treatment does no good, Raoul believes she has the malady of love. Is there a cure?
Insights
Plot Summary
The film tells the story of a famous actress, Sarah, who finds herself in a tumultuous love affair with a younger man, also an actor, named Nicolas. Their passionate yet complicated relationship is further tested by their professional lives, past traumas, and the scrutiny of the public eye. As their bond deepens, they must confront their individual demons and decide if their love can truly conquer all.
Critical Reception
Malady of Love received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising the performances of its lead actors, particularly Catherine Deneuve and Marcello Mastroianni, and Claude Lelouch's signature directorial style. However, some found the plot to be overly melodramatic and the pacing uneven.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for the compelling chemistry between Deneuve and Mastroianni.
- Noted for its exploration of complex romantic relationships and existential themes.
- Criticized by some for its perceived sentimentality and occasional lack of narrative focus.
Google audience: Audience reception is not widely documented through specific Google user reviews for this film.
Fun Fact
The film marked the fifth on-screen collaboration between iconic actors Catherine Deneuve and Marcello Mastroianni.
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