Two In The Wave

Emmanuel Laurent's documentary Two In The Waves traces the volatile friendship of French New Wave filmmakers Francois Truffaut and Jean-Luc Goddard, beginning with their rise to fame, their heady friendship, and unfortunate parting of ways in 1968 when they first clashed over politics. The film, unfortunately, also has the feel of a lesson from a school book.

It's not a bad lesson. There are moments of delight, watching clips from Truffaut's groundbreaking The 400 Blows and Godard's equally revolutionary Breathless; even more wonderful is rare interview footage with then teenage (and naturally charming) Jean-Pierre Léaud at Cannes. The actor rose to fame playing Truffaut's alter-ego Antoine Doniel. He also made many films with Goddard. In addition to fighting with each other, the directors also fought over their star.

Laurent's worst decision in the making of Two In The Waves was to get Isild le Besco involved. Le Besco is one of French cinema's current treasures -- a fascinating actress and also a burgeoning director in her own right. I had looked forward to listening to le Besco discuss the influence of Truffaut and Goddard on her own career. Instead, we see her leafing over scrap books about the filmmakers's careers and walking in French gardens. She enters a movie theater and she changes seats inside the movie theater. The only word for this technique is cheesy. Le Besco's presence distracts rather than adds.

I hate to be cruel, but I recommend reading about Truffaut and Goddard -- Richard Brody wrote a remarkable book, Everything Is Cinema: The Working Life of Jean-Luc Godard, that covers their tumultuous friendship -- and then watching their films.

Starring: Isild Le Besco
Directed by: Emmanuel Laurent
Produced by: Emmanuel Laurent
Running Time: 1 hr. 33 min.
Distributors: Lorber Films