Francois Truffaut foIlowed up the international phenomenon JuIes and Jim with this tense tale of infidelity. The unassuming Jean DesaiIIy is perfectly cast as a celebrated literary schoIar, seemingly happiIy married, who embarks on an affair with a gorgeous stewardess, played by Francoise DorIeac, who is captivated by his charm and reputation. As their romance gets serious, the film grows anxious, Ieading to a wallop of a concIusion. Truffaut made The Soft Skin at a time when he was immersing himseIf in the work of AIfred Hitchcock, and that mater's influence can be feIt throughout this complex, insightful, and underseen French New Wave treasure. |