Diane’s assistant, who often provides comedic relief and commentary on societal beauty standards. Production: The Art of the Shrink
If you're looking for a light, undemanding French romance with two incredibly magnetic stars, Up for Love might be a fun watch. If you're looking for a nuanced, sensitive, and consistent exploration of the topic, you might be left wanting more. up for love 2016
The voice on the other end belongs to Alexandre (Jean Dujardin), a charismatic, witty, and highly successful architect. Their brief phone conversation crackles with immediate chemistry, intellectual banter, and effortless flirtation. Captivated by his charm, Diane agrees to meet him for lunch the following day. Diane’s assistant, who often provides comedic relief and
However, a critical analysis of Up for Love cannot ignore the elephant in the room: the casting of Jean Dujardin. Dujardin is a towering figure of French cinema, known for his height and leading-man looks. To play Alexandre, the production utilized a combination of body doubles and visual effects—specifically digital head-replacement technology—to shrink the actor down. While the visual effects are competent, the decision creates a paradox. The film’s message is about looking past the exterior to accept the person inside, yet the production itself was unwilling to cast an actor who actually has dwarfism. The voice on the other end belongs to
The film masterfully contrasts the deep, genuine connection Diane and Alexandre share with the shallow, gossipy whispers of the people around them. Alexandre is a man who has made peace with his height and lives life to the fullest—even partaking in extreme sports like skydiving. However, being with Diane tests his resilience, forcing him to deal with the insecurity of whether he can truly fulfill the needs of a woman who is physically much taller than him.