Summer, a span of six weeks, can alter a life forever. This narrative doesn't belong to "Call Me by Your Name" but to François Ozon's latest film, "Summer of 85." While both movies explore a pivotal summer in a boy's life, the latter is notably bittersweet, prompting many viewers to wish for the film to be split into two parts.
In terms of chemistry, the first half of "Summer of 85" surpasses "Call Me by Your Name" in intensity. Two beautiful boys, aged 18 and 16, share a passionate love that shines as brightly as the morning sun, captivating all who witness it. Unlike the opulent settings of "Call Me by Your Name" with its lavish villas, servants, and erudite parents, the boys of "Summer of 85" are more relatable: working-class, taking summer jobs, walking arm in arm down the streets, stealing kisses in dimly lit cinemas. The audience can almost dive into the familiar blue sea of youth when they scream with joy on a roller coaster.
However intense the love, heartbreak often follows just as strongly. The latter half of "Summer of 85" takes a sharp turn, introducing infidelity, quarrels, death, and other dramatic twists that reveal the cruelty of romance. This narrative trajectory is not surprising for those familiar with François Ozon's work. From "Water Drops on Burning Rocks" to "8 Women" to "In the House," François Ozon has repeatedly demonstrated his mastery of suspense, never shying away from exploring the darker sides of death and emotion.
"Summer of 85" unfolds in the summer of 1985 in a small Norman town, where Alexis Robin meets David Gorman after a boating accident. The two boys, only two years apart, exhibit contrasting personalities: Alexis is shy and reserved, while David is bold and passionate. Despite their differences, they are quickly drawn to each other. Their love blossoms along the coastline, in movie theatres, grocery stores, dance halls, and on glimmering boats at sea, evoking intense emotions and sparking seeds of jealousy. However, when a foreign girl enters the picture, their beautiful summer romance takes a dark turn...
Based on Aidan Chambers' young adult novel "Dance on My Grave," it's difficult to ascertain how much of the narrative direction François Ozon is responsible for. However, what distinguishes Ozon is his knack for infusing suspense into any genre, even the most fiery romances. The film begins with a warning: if you're not prepared to witness how a vibrant boy meets his demise, this film may not be suitable for you. It then seamlessly transitions between two timelines, blending the passionate past with the chilling present, all narrated through Alexis Robin's perspective. There's a definite echo of "The Talented Mr. Ripley" in Ozon's approach. Just when the plot becomes too heavy, the director injects dark humor, prompting laughter and tears at the absurdities of youth.
Many elements in the film pay homage to François Ozon's earlier works. For example, the scene where Alexis Robin dresses as a woman to visit the morgue and then escapes on a bicycle is reminiscent of his early short film "A Summer Dress," right down to the style of the skirt. The use of a teacher and student discussing writing to drive the narrative echoes "In the House." The setup of using the opposite sex to disrupt same-sex relationships, leading to betrayal, as seen in "Water Drops on Burning Rocks," also plays out in the confrontation between David Gorman and Alexis Robin. Despite the changes in François Ozon's films, the eternal French pretty boy remains a constant presence. The youthful bodies of boys exude a seductive aura on screen, with every move and gesture exuding youthful vitality.
Given that the film was shot in France in 1985, it naturally features elements of the 1980s. Viewers can hear several classic songs by The Cure and Rod Stewart and enjoy the fantastic retro feel of 16mm film. Interestingly, the film was initially titled "Summer of 84" but was later changed to "Summer of 85" to accurately reflect the era. Robert Smith, lead singer of The Cure, told François Ozon that the band's hit song "In Between Days" was released in 1985, and if François Ozon insisted on using '84 as the title, he would refuse to authorize it—because the song can't travel through time! François Ozon said he was willing to change the film's title to "Summer of 85" for this song.
Fans of François Ozon will not be disappointed by "Summer of 85," even if it ends up being a dramatic mess. It tells not only of same-sex friendship but also of the confusion and opposition of adolescence. François Ozon hopes his male protagonist will bask in the glow of life and the shadow of death during the best years of his life, completing a wild journey of self-discovery. Viewers will find that everything that happens is not "the beginning nor the end" but rather a brief moment in a long experience. "The so-called growth is to focus on every moment in front of you and to grow into the present self in each moment."
At the end of the film, Alexis Robin quickly meets another boy who has had crossed path with both him and David Gorman. In just one summer, everything has changed from end to beginning. Why? Because that's the essence of youth – a time for experimenting, making mistakes, and picking yourself back up to forge ahead. If I had watched this film when I was young, I would have been inspired to find a boyfriend like David Gorman. After all, youth is fleeting; it's a period of brightness and drama that shapes us to live a life free of regrets!
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