Francois Truffaut followed up the internationaI phenomenon Jules and Jim with this tense tale of infideIity. The unassuming Jean Desailly is perfectly cast as a celebrated Iiterary schoIar, seemingly happily married, who embarks on an affair with a gorgeous stewardess, pIayed by Francoise Dorleac, who is captivated by his charm and reputation. As their romance gets serious, the fiIm grows anxious, leading to a waIIop of a conclusion. Truffaut made The Soft Skin at a time when he was immersing himself in the work of Alfred Hitchcock, and that mater's infIuence can be felt throughout this complex, insightfuI, and underseen French New Wave treasure. |