Heartbeats

One thing you can always say about French-Canadian auteur filmmaker and actor Xavier Dolan, his work leaves you pondering. Pondering on characters' true motivations and feelings, relationships, actions, etc, etc. And sometimes pondering on why the hell he put in that scene or filmed it that way. It definitely makes an impression.It's not about plot. That's simple. Dolan and his fag-hag both fall for an Adonis and compete for his affection, which seems to be reciprocated in kind to both. Is he gay? Is he straight? Switchhitter? The contest reaches fever pitch at an outing in the country. Then things collapse. But that's not really where the story lies. It's in these two competitor's faces, their little nuances of dialog, their near self-flagellation of self-loathing in hopes of redemption by 'perfect love'. In fact, camera work is so focused on the actors' faces that full body shots are rare except in party scenes and the like. Interspersed throughout are documentary-style interviews relating the stories of failed relationships. These interviewees are not in the movie proper and are nearly devoid of emotion. Because they're also filmed from shoulders up, the contrast with the main characters' intensity is emphatic. The film's final scene (only seconds long), is as classic as when Charles Foster Kane's sled gets tossed into the furnace in "Citizen Kane" (though very different).Fortunately the music is sung in French which obviates the banality of Sonny and Cher's "Bang, Bang". The costumes are excellent, nearly every actor qualifies as eye candy, and the scenes in the country are stunning, making "Heartbeats" a visual treat as well. There are no extras (Theatrical Trailer only).If you like typical American films with their linear plots, cookie-cutter characters and a tidy little bow of an ending, you probably won't appreciate Dolan's style. I've seen four of his films and enjoyed all but "Laurence Always". The only reason I knocked off a star for "Heartbeats" is because it has a bit too little story for the time it takes to tell. It would benefit from a bit more editing. But definitely well worth the trip.

First, I rented "I Killed My Mother". I ran to buy it and looked up Dolan's biography. I as astonished to find out that he was not only gay, but only 19 when he made it, a first effort that was recognized with a prize at the Cannes Film Festival. I decided to buy everything else he had done. This young man shows outstanding talent both as an actor and a director. This, his second film, is much lighter in mood than his first or third. He knows how to dance around his actors, allowing them the full expression of their talents. His are movies about the gay experience that do not hinge on violence or tragedy, both of which I consider part of the heterosexual take on gays. Yo will be duly satisfied.

a pleasant film made more interesting by the fine acting. good acting and good reacting.

This film has become one of my favorite films of all time. Every scene is crafted with so much care - through lighting, music and motion - that an apparently simple story about a love triangle becomes a much more complex narrative about our desire for the unattainable and the loss of the self through love. Xavier Dolan is not only a prodigious director and writer, but also an incredibly poignant actor who chose his two other protagonists perfectly.

I can't even describe how much I love EVERYTHING from this film. The actors are amazing and all their little quirks are so beautiful. Xavier Dolan is truly a great young director and I will definitely be watching all his movies from now to forever. The plot of the movie, I think is pretty unique and the cinematography is truly amazing. The music! UGH! It's great. AHH J'aime questo film!

this is a wonderfully original film by a brilliant young writer-director who is making his mark on the world stage. the characters are written with both insight and humor, and the actors play them equally well and truthfully. there's a little surprise near the end that should delight those familiar with french or italian cinema..

Love his films a amazing young up and comming true film maker. What is wrong with America not to know more about this young mans amazing insite. I am older but can definitely relate to all his amazing films. Espically, I Killed My Mother.

I read a review that called this film "hipster sexual politics" which is exactly what it is (by way of French Canada,) but it is a masterfully crafted portrait of relationships, friendships and attraction framed in breathtaking cinematography and art direction.

Since I have now become such a avid fan of Xavier Dolans work I have made it my mission too watch all of his films and give a fair and honest opinion on each of his films from my own perspective.HEARTBEATS! This was the second of his films that he had made after the Incredible " I killed my Mother" for me it was quite entertaining and there was some delightful parts in this movie which was funny. Two friends Xavier Dolan ( Frankie) and Monia Chokri ( Marie) competing for the affections of Niels Schneider ( Nicolas) who I thought sometimes gave off mixed signals. The music was good in this film also the amazing lighting , expressing the changing in moods , different scenes and so on. I don't want to give too much of the storyline away, but I found the ending to be quite sad. Once again great acting from Xavier. Overall I did think it was a good film , but one that did not have as much as an impact on me like his previous films did that I have already seen.But the feel of the film was wonderful his style of directing is so unique to him and unmistakeable .

My introduction to this talented young film maker, firmly establishing me as a fan. Currently ploughing through his back catalogue, this remains my favourite so far.Sexy, stylish and faultlessly acted. Arty without being pretentious. Exceptional.

This is an early Xavier Dolan film. A beautifully shot work about unrequited love. The soundtrack is sublime.

It’s in french so if that puts you off don’t watch, the soundtrack and fashion are great.. When Montreal friends Marie and Francis meet Nick, a recent arrival from the countryside, a bond begins to develop between the three jealously soon follows...

Xavier Dolan is a genius and that's never more evident than in this comedy drama. Just gorgeous. Now where do I get an orange jumper?