BOTH SIDES OF THE BLADE / AVEC AMOUR ET ACHARNEMENT
In this steamy erotic drama Juliette Binoche and Vincent Lindon portray a couple who see their strong bond shaken by the unexpected return of Binoche’s former lover and one-time friend of Lindon. High quality performances, an outside presence which for more than half the film cleverly remains nothing more than a haunting look, stifling lasciviousness reflected in unyielding corporeal characters along with the director’s trademark soundtrack musicians, the Tindersticks, reaffirm that Denis is one of the few directors who take an in-depth and well-rounded look into passion and the price it bears. Winner of the Silver Berlin Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival.
FRANCE / 2022 / COLOR / DCP / 116’ / FRENCH
Juliette Binoche and Vincent Lindon play a couple who see their powerful bond shaken to the core due to the return of a former partner. One of the most important films at Berlinale and the most accessible film by Claire Denis. The build-up of a boiling love drama focusing on pending passions and recurring mistakes is exemplary. The amazing performances set everything on fire and a third factor, which for more than half the film remains a haunting gaze, the stuffy horniness is reflected on the firmly carnal heroes and the familiar in her films, Tindersticks, confirm once more that Denis is one of the few directors that deals with all sides of lust and its price. N.S.
DIRECTOR: Claire Denis
SCREENWRITERS: Christine Angot, Claire Denis
DoP: Eric Gautier
MUSIC: Stuart Staples, Tindersticks
EDITORS: Sandie Bompar, Guy Lecorne, Emmanuelle Pencalet
PRINCIPAL CAST: Juliette Binoche, Vincent Lindon, Grégoire Colin, Bulle Ogier, Issa Perica
CLAIRE DENIS
French director, screenwriter and teacher. She was born in 1946 and studied Film at the famous La Fémis. Her film ‘Beau Travail’ (1999) is considered one of the most important films of the ‘90s. Her work touches upon subjects such as colonialism and modern life in France. Present and honored at international festivals, she is a renowned director of European cinema.
FILMOGRAPHY (SELECTED)
2022 Stars at Noon
2022 Both Sides of the Blade
2018 High Life
2017 Let the Sunshine In
2013 Bastards
2009 White Material
2008 35 Shots of Rum
2004 The Intruder
2002 Friday Night
1999 Good Work
1996 Nenette and Boni
1994 I Can’t Sleep
1990 No Fear, No Die
