CriticSociety- film reviews

Review

A Little Romance

Director

George Roy Hill

Year

1979

Rating

Reviewed by

Gon C Curiel a.k.a. Groucho

Review date

Saturday, August 18, 2001

Alienated teenager Lauren (Diane Lane, irresistible in her film debut), living with her mother in Paris, suddenly finds love in a charming French kid (Thelonious Bernard) who turns out to be a misunderstood genius just like her. Due to further disapproval by the girl’s mother (Sally Kellerman) and a twist that terribly affects their relationship, Lauren and Daniel decide to run away to Venice, in order to immortalize their love according to a legend one man told them. This man is an old charmer, Julius (exquisitely played by Laurence Olivier), who wanders around in life with no destination and preaching love while hiding a bunch of facts about himself. Being Julius their only friend and an adult, the kids ask him to come along, with poignant results.

A charming mixture of candid love and road movie, A Little Romance is in fact a little gem that should be given a shot. The beauty of 13-year-old Lane, her chemistry with Bernard and the charm of the three main characters is only the engaging masquerade of a really profound character study full of twists, turns and deep emotions. The main story is absolutely irresistible and heartbreaking, which turns out to be nothing compared to Julius’s personal story. Subplots about Daniel’s father, Lauren’s current stepfather (Arthur Hill) and such are also a plus. I’ve heard people call this film superfluous and badly developed. I wouldn’t dare call it that in my whole life.

Daniel’s movie buff status gives place to many bits from classic films, including key scenes from a couple of George Roy Hill’s best. Impossible to ignore, a cameo by Broderick Crawford means a lot to the ironic look of Hollywood superstars that this film has.

Also worth of mention are the fun score by Georges Delerue, which has place for serious moments as well, and the delicious cinematography by Pierre-William Glenn, capturing immortal scenarios in Paris and Venice. The final scene will be in my mind forever.

“Call me ‘Bogey’”

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