I should probably take back the word masterpiece since Cyril Collard's directorial debut was actually his only film. The director, writer and main character of the film died just three days before his film swept the Caesars(the Oscar's french counterpart). Collard died of AIDS and brought to life one of the most compelling films surrounding this theme. It is not just people whining because of the departure of the beloved one but a tour de force involving hatred, passion, self destruction, and all those "nice" feelings that accompany a person who knows that he will die sooner than the rest, and culminating in spiritual redemption. This film also portrays one of the finest love triangles on film; the at times sickening at times profoundly erotic and at times inevitably cathartic relationship between Jean and his two lovers is a genius example that love is not "Sleepless in Seattle". Romane Bohringer(probably best known for her character as Verlaine's wife in Total Eclipse) is a must see in her breakthrough performance as a confused and VERY passionate young girl.
