Primarily of interest these days for film students for being an early example of Hollywood experimenting with non-linear narrative, musical and comedy director Donen's attempt to incorporate personal and serious themes is the story of twelve years in a couple's relationship, from when they first meet to when divorce seems imminent. It's related as four separate trips they made through France and the jumps from one timeline to another are frequently signposted by a passing car from the former continuity, which is a neat device that is missed when the scenes don't allow for it, as changes in the couple's hair and attire aren't stark enough, and Albert Finney's demeanour in particular remains fossilised.
He seems to have been cast because the director's favourites Gene Kelly and Cary Grant were too old and too comedy-bound, and having him as a romantic lead nearly sinks the film, for all of Audrey Hepburn's lightness, some funny catty scenes and moments of perspicacity regarding love and marriage. He barks out all lines in a pompous and flat drone, as if issuing orders to colonial servants, and it's quite impossible to believe, even if allowing for period tolerance of hectoring pricks as charmers, what anyone would see in him.
5/10
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