Les Choses De La Vie (aka The Things Of Life) (1969)

On a summer morning in the countryside, an architect (Michel Piccoli) loses control of his car as he attempts to avoid crashing into a stalled lorry. As he lies injured, he drifts in and out of consciousness as he reflects on his mistress (Romy Schneider), wife (Lea Massari), son (Gerard Lartigau) and the choices he's made in his life. Based on the novel by Paul Guimard and directed by Claude Sautet (CESAR AND ROSALIE). One of the most undervalued of French film directors, Sautet gives us an observant reflection on the fragility of life and how our choices aren't always dictated by sense but by our hearts. It's not a complicated piece so Sautet uses a fragmented non chronological structure which gives the movie a gripping edge to its narrative. The film is driven by a wonderful performance by Piccoli, subtle yet intense and once again, Schneider serves as Sautet's muse. The excellent underscore is by Philippe Sarde. Misguidedly remade in 1994 with Richard Gere in Piccoli's role. With Jean Bouise, Dominique Zardi and Betty Beckers.