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krisbolino
Reviews
Garçon stupide (2004)
Fractured but poignant
This film is an interesting tour through the experiences of the main character, Loïc. The title of this movie is perfect--Loïc is definitely un garçon stupide. He has no emotional attachment, save Marie, his roommate/friend. He hooks up with other men online--of various ages and preferences--for meaningless sex. His mind is blank and simple. He does not know even what Impressionism is, or who Hitler was. He is detached from everything around him.
Lionel (who is also the director/writer/periodic cameraman) is a pivotal character in the change that Loïc undergoes. He explores new interests--most notably photography. He begins to learn that people can be interested in things other than sex. All the while, a turbulent undercurrent plays out for him. Marie has found someone. Though she does not spend an abundant amount of time with him, Loïc is thrown into a jealous rage. The two part ways, and Loïc becomes depressed.
Seeking companionship, Loïc becomes fascinated with Rui, a local footballer. He follows Rui, watches his games, and exhibits stalker-like behavior, including photographing him without his consent. Then the movie falls apart. Marie dies, though it is not entirely clear if she killed herself (in the scene where Loïc finds her, she is on the bathroom floor, bleeding; there is a rope tied around her neck and the exercise bar that Loïc installed has been torn from the doorway). Loïc then runs away and visits Rui, a process which is never fully explained--he is invited into Rui's house, introduced to his son, and the three go on a picnic.
It is then that a different Loïc is shown: one who is caring and compassionate. He cares for Rui, whose eyes were irritated by the sun. The scene then jumps to an overturned car driven by Loïc, and then to the hospital. A random man and his wife take care of Loïc until he is better. He then photographs a parade with socialists, communists, gay activists, and what appeared to be a fascist. The movie begins to end with him developing an identity, though it is not clear what that is. The final scene, and the only one in the last twenty-five or so minutes of the film that made a lot of sense to me is at a carnival. He wanders around, then gets on a ferris wheel. He is shown flirting with a guy in another seat, who looks back and smiles. The movie is an interesting exploration of Loïc's character, but the last few scenes are so fragmented that I'm left wondering what happened.