Les amants du Pont-Neuf

The lengthy production time — three years — and all the problems which this involved (Variety: ‘touch and go production’) have made Les amants du Pont-Neuf the film which was awaited with the greatest anticipation. The fear that it would not live up to the great expectations was proven groundless; the film was praised and lauded in reviews.The story is largely set on, around and under the most famous and oldest bridge in Paris, the Pont-Neuf. It includes material shot during the anniversary of the French Revolution in 1989 and several other sections shot on location, but one of the production problems faced was that a full-sized replica of the bridge had to be built (in the South of France). However while much of the film was shot on this set, the result is very realistic. The clochard milieu has been reproduced in all its horror.As in his two earlier films, the story is about a amour fou between a young man and a young woman who, as previously, are played by Denis Lavant (Alex) and Juliette Binoche (Michèle). Alex is a tramp and he ‘lives’ under the famous bridge. He makes ends meet as a street acrobat and fire-eater. One day, when he is very drunk, he is knocked down by a taxi. Michèle, a well-off girl, finds him unconscious in the street. After Alex has been treated in the casualty department and returns to the bridge, he finds Michèle sleeping in his regular place.Together they spend an enervating time until Alex, driven by jealousy commits a deadly crime.