Bitter Moon

I have not yet come into contact with Pascal Bruckner's novel of the same name, but it certainly deserves comparison with a film like Bitter Moon. The depths and corners of pathological love relationships are always challenging to process, and to achieve dialogue with the reader or viewer. It is only now that I realize how varied Polanski's work is, and at some point in quieter times, I will return to it contentedly. It is an eternal shame that his name is more of a case than a synonym for his work. Incidentally, the only fault I see here is the casting of Hugh Grant and Kristin Scott Thomas, who at that time were already too big of stars to play only supporting roles. The frame of that New Year's Eve night, the tightly packed environment of the ship, and the portrayal of the entire devastating romance as a confession addressed to a new victim are all good. In addition, the glossing Indian works ideally as a link between the old and the new world, which is a very wise decision. (08/06/2017)

I’d always had Polanski as a competent filmmaker, but so far none of his films had managed to captivate me. Between him, as a creator, and me, as a viewer, I’d always felt some sort of barrier that wouldn’t let me tune into the same vibes. Until now. Bitter Moon finally did it. I really dove into this study about an unhealthy relationship during a sea cruise, and I enjoyed it. The experience was both pleasant and unpleasant at the same time. (25/09/2014)

Although Oscar's narrative is the main frame of the entire film, the implications of his relationship with Mimi naturally translate to the present and gradually influence Hugh Grant's character in his actions and endeavors :)) The depiction of Oscar and Mimi's relationship is at times lyrical, charming, idyllic (there is a beautiful juxtaposition of her youthful innocence and naivety with Oscar's "awakening"), at times bizarre (but also funny), and ultimately, of course, escalated (both physically and psychologically). Equally compelling is the setting in which Bitter Moon takes place. All in all, this is a masterpiece, detailing (sometimes perhaps too much:)) the course of a somewhat perverse but all the more interesting relationship, while tying in another (contemporary) storyline, which it fantastically intersects with at the end. (05/10/2010)

From the very first shot it is devilishly sophisticated and deceiving, and a grandiose depiction of the pure dehumanization of a relationship between two people. All this against the depressing backdrop of a ship or the darkened streets of Paris – your typical neo-noir Polanski of the late eighties/early nineties. It's fascinating how emotionally complex this fresco is and yet it flows with the ease and agility of a racy erotic thriller. One of the director's best films, which you come to like gradually, over time, through a tough skin. (17/11/2016)

"Have you ever felt real, overpowering passion?!" From the first minute, I felt that, like Nigel, I was being drawn almost against my will into the destructive psychological game of two self-destructive individuals, and I knew that there would be no happy ending. A study that hurts in the deepest places. (28/12/2006)