Film Review: Going Places (1974)
Directed by: Bertrand Blier
Written by: Bertrand Blier
Starring: Gérard Depardieu, Patrick Dewaere, Miou-Miou
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Erotic
Runtime: 103 minutes
Release Date:
February 6, 1974 (France)
Plot Overview
Going Places (Les Valseuses) is a French comedy-drama that explores themes of sexual freedom, rebellion, and societal conventions through the lives of two irreverent young men, Jean-Claude (Gérard Depardieu) and Pierrot (Patrick Dewaere), and their adventures across France. The film is an unapologetic journey into the lives of two amoral and impulsive characters who live by their own rules, indulging in sex, petty crime, and youthful rebellion. Along the way, they encounter a series of women who become entangled in their chaotic lives, including the free-spirited, enigmatic Babette (Miou-Miou).
The film follows these two characters as they drive across the French countryside, perpetually seeking excitement and indulging in their lustful impulses. They steal cars, engage in various criminal activities, and seduce women, with little regard for the consequences of their actions.
Themes of Rebellion and Sexual Liberation
At its heart, Going Places is a film about defiance, an exploration of sexual liberation and the rejection of societal norms. The film pushes boundaries by confronting issues of sexual desire, morality, and gender roles with both humor and boldness. The characters of Jean-Claude and Pierrot challenge the concept of monogamy, sexual propriety, and conventionality, seeking fulfillment in a world that constrains them.
Their behavior often crosses into the taboo and the offensive, offering a stark commentary on the way society treats those who refuse to conform. Going Places was groundbreaking for its frank depiction of sexual freedom and its critique of bourgeois values, making it controversial in its time but also a product of the '70s sexual revolution in Europe.
The Performances: Gérard Depardieu and Patrick Dewaere
Both Gérard Depardieu and Patrick Dewaere deliver remarkable performances as the two main protagonists. Depardieu, in his early days as an actor, brings a raw and charismatic energy to his role as Jean-Claude, one of the most memorable anti-heroes in French cinema. His performance exudes both charm and recklessness, embodying the character’s rebellion against authority and societal expectations.
Patrick Dewaere complements Depardieu perfectly as Pierrot, playing a more sensitive, yet equally impulsive character. Dewaere’s portrayal captures the vulnerability beneath Pierrot’s hedonistic exterior, making him more than just a two-dimensional rebel. Together, the two actors create an undeniable chemistry that drives the film’s exploration of male friendship, camaraderie, and desire.
Miou-Miou, in her role as Babette, provides an interesting counterpoint to the male protagonists. Babette is a character who embraces her own sexuality and independence but is also a victim of the chaos and self-destruction that Jean-Claude and Pierrot create. Miou-Miou’s performance adds emotional depth to the film, providing a more complex portrayal of women in a film that could easily have relegated female characters to mere objects of desire.
Controversy and Reception
Upon its release, Going Places was highly controversial due to its explicit content, especially its portrayal of sexual violence and the reckless behavior of the protagonists. Critics were divided, with some lauding the film for its boldness and frankness, while others condemned it for its perceived misogyny and lack of moral compass.
Despite the controversy, Going Places found a following in the years following its release. It’s often seen as a defining film of the 1970s French cinema movement, capturing the spirit of youthful rebellion and sexual liberation that was pervasive in France at the time. The film was considered a bit of a “bad boy” in the cinematic landscape, beloved by those who appreciated its raw, unfiltered take on freedom and hedonism.
A Snapshot of 1970s French Cinema
Going Places is a quintessential film from 1970s French cinema, a period marked by experimentation in both form and content. The film’s use of bold, unsentimental humor and its unflinching look at the darker side of human nature made it stand out. Bertrand Blier, who wrote and directed the film, used his sharp wit and observational skills to create a work that both critiques and embraces the spirit of rebellion.
The film’s combination of comedy and drama, often pushing the boundaries of taste, reflects the cultural atmosphere of France in the 1970s, where traditional values were being questioned and more experimental films began to emerge.
Final Thoughts
Going Places is a provocative, often shocking film that has stood the test of time as a statement on the excesses of youth, sexuality, and rebellion. While its exploration of male friendship and sexual liberation is often uncomfortable, it also reveals a rawness that is difficult to ignore. With strong performances from its leads and a bold script, Going Places is a film that challenges viewers and forces them to examine their own beliefs about freedom, desire, and societal expectations.
Verdict: A daring, controversial exploration of youthful rebellion and sexual freedom that is equal parts hilarious, uncomfortable, and thought-provoking.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Would you like to explore more about Bertrand Blier’s other works or the evolution of French cinema during this period?
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