Read My Lips

This is one of the most mature, sophisticated films I've ever seen. Based on this film and The Beat My Heart Skipped, I'd say that director Jacques Audiard is a great visual stylist, excellent writer, and gets good performances. But it's something more about the two films that's difficult to pin down. I'd hesitate to call it "realism", but he basically manages to make non-movies that never seem self-conscious and are never less than completely engrossing. He rarely uses the kind of dialogue and action that most writers rely on to keep things interesting, keep things moving; and yet, he wraps enough of a narrative around his complex character studies to generate tension and conflict.

Both of the leads are perfect for the roles. I read a review in which the critic complained that the actress playing the woman was too attractive to be receiving insults throughout the film. But that's not the point- the great thing about the actress is that dejected, uncomfortable expression she always has on her face (it works great in The Beat My Heart Skipped too).

Along with Jeuneut, Audiard seems to be the most unique, distinctive director working in France these days.