This is based on a novel by Maurice Pialat and is clearly autobiographical, something that is confirmed in the extra features.  It revolves around Jean, a boorish and selfish individual who makes documentary films for TV and his relationship with Catherine who enjoys Jean’s company but, due to a masochistic streak, can’t bring herself to leave him and get on with her life.  The film follows her turbulent encounters with Jean over a six-year period as she leaves him, comes back to him, loves him, hates him and tries all the time to turn her back and start afresh.
 
Jean Yanne and Marlène Jobert play the unhappy couple whose lives seem to solely take place in cars and hotel rooms.  In one scene, Catherine says how she doesn’t like this place (meaning the hotel) and Jean says that it’s almost the same as your parents’ house to which she retorts that at least there, people love each other.  Both give a powerhouse display of acting with some really difficult subject material, especially Yanne who abuses and shouts at Jobert – it’s unsurprising when he reveals in an interview that he’s never seen the completed film as, if I was him, I wouldn’t want to see myself being like that.
 

 
As with other Pialat films this is a tough watch but one that is strangely rewarding but not necessarily for the subject matter but for the sheer quality of the acting and filmmaking.  If the French do anything well, it’s to really get to the heart of something unpleasant and show it in all its ‘glory’ – a little like picking a scab as you know you shouldn’t do it and it’s better left alone, but there’s something rewarding in seeing what lies beneath.  Other directors in different countries such as Ken Loach make similar films but I don’t think Loach would ever put himself at the centre of a film and use a painful period from his past in some form of cathartic therapy that is hard to make and watch.
 
Nous ne vieillirons pas ensemble is a masterpiece of filmmaking by one of the true giants of the medium who has been recognised on numerous occasions by the Masters of Cinema series.  With terrific writing and direction and incredible performances by the two leads as well as the supporting cast, this is a film that is well worth watching but probably more for the Pialat fan and cinephile than the casual viewer.
 
 

The Disc
 
Extra Features
MoC usually don’t disappoint when it comes to the supplementary material and this is no exception.  There are plenty of interviews with various members of the cast and crew, including Pialat, which are fascinating as they discuss making the film, getting into character and working with the director.
 
There s also a selection of trailers for other Pialat films and a superb booklet (as always) with articles and interviews.
 

 
The Picture
Presented in the original aspect ratio of 1.66:1, Nous ne vieillirons pas ensemble looks almost as good as it could for home viewing with good colours, contrast, definition and little to grumble about in the way of scratches, grain or other detritus.  It is  wonderfully shot film with Pialat using a variety of shooting methods from keeping the camera still to carefully planned panning shots and even mounting a camera in the back of the car so you are a passenger watching the conversation between Jean and Catherine unfold.
 
The Sound
The Dolby Digital Mono soundtrack is very clear with excellent optional English subtitles.  The score is very subtle and the film is all about dialogue but with the odd scene where there are ambient sounds but these have been well mixed so you’re aware of them but they don’t detract from the overall clarity.
 

 
Final Thoughts
Nous ne vieillirons pas ensemble is a perfect title for this film as it’s about a couple that aren’t happy together yet have trouble finding another relationship.  Catherine is such an intriguing character as she likes Jean for his sense of humour and experience yet can’t seem to leave him when his verbal abuse (that only once becomes physical) becomes too much, always gravitating back to him.  Fans of Pialat’s work will be glad to see this available in the UK on DVD and overjoyed at what a tremendous job the Masters of Cinema Series have done.  Highly recommended.