It's relentless: every question from Berling that calls for more than a yes or no is parried by Guillemin, which leads to exasperation, then to sexual excitement leading to another bout in the sack. "I don't know... never thought about it" becomes a suit of armor for the girl facing her maddened lover.There is a whimsical aspect to all this (thank God, too)--it's Arielle Dombasle's performance as the funny, sensible Sophie, a sort of aunt to Berling. She has all the wisdom that Berling needs but can't use. Cedric Kahn, who directed, seems to be a competent workman but no more. The Moravia novel on which the picture is based is a good airport novel, as Bertolucci said about The Conformist, but it's sometimes the airport book that can be turned into an effective film, as here.

The film got good reviews in the UK when screened on TV, described in the listings as an "erotic, comedy drama...with outstanding performances". Erotic - not for me; comedy - definitely not(dreary and humourless throughout); drama - yes but with minimalist plot and unengaging theme; outstanding performances - both leads failed to provoke much interest in either their character or plight. We all have different tastes and interests but I have to warn you... other than it was another exercise in improving my French, I really felt I had wasted two hours. If you are not enjoying it after half an hour my advice would be give it up - it does not get better.

This movie is great. I started watching the beginning by chance, channel-hopping at 2am, and did not intend to keep watching, but it was SO GOOD, that I watched it all the way to the end. I actually laughed out loud at some scenes, by myself in my lounge, which is rare. And also found the philosophy teacher's spiral into obsession really sad. He spends his life asking questions, and she spends hers asking none. When he reaches the epitome of his frustration, and he tries to strangle her, you almost want him to succeed. I also liked the way Cécilia was realistic-looking, not traditionally goodlooking in the face or body, but merely had "something about her" that he couldn't quite put his finger on, but it kept him involved. And as such I think this film has "something about it" I can't put mine on either, but it kept me involved when watching it. Check it out.

Based on the novel of Alberto Moravia, "L'Ennui" tells us the story of a philosphy teacher (Charles Berling) who, just separated from his wife, meets the young and buxom Cecilia, former model of a painter who died making love to her. As their relationship grows, we fall with Berling into despair (when he is unable to quit her even if he wants to) and even jealousy. The famous scholar cannot find relief in his knowledge, nor in his irritated former wife and is therefore condemned to wander alone, following this woman, directly out from a Renoir painting, he love and despise at the same time and his depiction is really living.