7. LOL, directed by Lisa Azuelos

LOL Can Mean One Thing or the Other in This French Gem

 

Let’s make this immediately clear that this is the French, 2008 version, and not the American remake. Not that I’ve even seen the American one (who knows, it could be better than what all those vehement critics are suggesting), but we all know that remakes are never as good (although I am hanging out to see the all-female Ocean’s Eleven remake), especially when translated from a foreign picture to an Americanized, high-budget film. Does anyone else remember when they tried to remake Kath & Kim, or have you all repressed the memory?

Anyway, that’s all besides the point, because this is most definitely the French version, because they weren’t speaking English (clue number one). On paper it’s a fairly typical coming of age story: Lola (Christa Theret) is knees-deep in the adolescent struggles of liking one guy (her best friend) but then going out with another guy to make her best friend jealous, while the second guy actually also happens to be the first guy’s best friend. Oh là là! Meanwhile her mother (the brilliant Sophia Marceau) is dealing with her own romantic embroilments, and let’s just say it involves sneaking around and her ex.

Aside from the rather generic coming of age themes, LOL delves deeper into the complicated dynamics of relationships, whether they are romantic, platonic or familial. Azuelos deftly shifts between these relationships with juxtaposed editing, which reinforces the similarities and differences that exist between different characters and ages. The humour then also derives from Lola’s mother chastising her daughter for making decisions that seem to echo (or even precede) her own.

As hinted by the title, the film also touches on the changing culture of youth – how technology now plays a significant role, and how teenagers are growing up faster than ever. But what really makes all of these ideas come to life are the natural, nuanced performances. There really is just something about French films; I’m always impressed by the unique realism of the characters, and the quirkiness with which the piece is all wrapped up. Yes, the themes have been dealt with before, but the film manages to take and twist them in a new way that demonstrates how multi-generational and enduring they are.

Specifically, what stood out most to me in LOL was the authenticity of its representation of the bond between mother and daughter. It is complex, deep-rooted and contradictory, much like the characters themselves.