Gilles Lellouche’s L’Amour Ouf: Unraveling the Ending! [SPOILERS]

Gilles Lellouche’s film, L’amour ouf, is a romantic narrative set in the 80s and 90s, exploring themes of love, identity, and choice. It features a unique storytelling approach with a false ending leading to a true conclusion, emphasizing how characters’ choices shape their lives. The film’s ending differs from its Cannes presentation, with certain scenes cut that pay homage to classic musicals. Currently screening in cinemas, the film invites viewers to reflect on the impact of personal decisions.

Please read this article after watching L’amour ouf, as it contains spoilers.

Gilles Lellouche’s film, L’amour ouf, is an expansive romantic tale set during the vibrant 80s and 90s. It chronicles the journey of its main characters from their youth, through their initial encounter and budding relationship, to a heart-wrenching separation due to Clotaire’s imprisonment, culminating in a dramatic reunion against the striking backdrop of an eclipse.

The film uniquely unfolds with a faux ending at its commencement, followed by the actual conclusion. Utilizing a flashforward technique, it starts with a deceptive finale before transporting viewers back to the roots of the story, allowing us to witness the youthful versions of Clotaire and Jackie. As viewers soon realize, the conclusion introduced at the beginning diverges from the film’s ‘true’ ending, prompting reflections on its implications and the rationale behind this storytelling choice.

Exploring Life Choices as a Central Theme

“The false ending could have been the actual ending, had Clotaire chosen to persist in his misguided choices—his violence and need for vengeance, which dominate much of his journey,” Gilles Lellouche remarked during a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival 2024. “However, ultimately, he listens and makes the right decision, transforming his life and nurturing love.”

In conversation, Lellouche explained, “This film heavily emphasizes the notion of choice, making it critical to convey this theme coherently.” He referenced the film Heat by Michael Mann, stating, “There’s a moment where De Niro’s character faces a pivotal choice—turn right towards certain doom or continue straight towards survival. This encapsulates the idea.”

Co-writer Audrey Diwan expanded on this theme at Cannes. “We acknowledged that understanding oneself takes time. There’s a narrative about love, but also about identity and personal development,” she noted. “The characters influence one another profoundly, showcasing a universal journey of self-construction, and the freedom to make choices independent of one’s upbringing.”

Contrasting Endings: A Shift from Cannes to Theater

It’s noteworthy that the final cut of the film underwent alterations, leading to a conclusion that differs from what was shown at the Cannes Film Festival.

A tribute scene celebrating musical cinema, reminiscent of Jacques Demy or West Side Story, was removed. This sequence included an elaborate dance choreographed by (La) Horde, featuring Adèle Exarchopoulos, François Civil, alongside emerging actors Mallory Wanecque and Malik Frikah. Fans can anticipate this cut scene appearing in future DVD or Blu-ray releases. Initially, a quote by Jean de la Fontaine—“Aimez, aimez, le reste n’est rien”—was also intended for the film’s closing moments.

L’amour ouf is currently showing in theaters.

* Interview by Clara Braccini on October 14, 2024