Low Existence

A L'ensemble des Films du Losange discharge of an Agora Films production, in colaboration with Maia Cinema. (Worldwide sales: L'ensemble des Films du Losange, Paris.) Created by Gilles Sandoz. Executive producers, Sandoz, Alain Guesnier. Directed, compiled by Nicolas Klotz, Elisabeth Perceval.With: Camille Rutherford, Arash Naimian, Luc Chessel, Michael Evans, Maud Wyler, Winson Calixte. (French, Farsi dialogue)"Low Existence" is not even close to a higher point for Gallic author-director Nicolas Klotz ("Heartbeat Detector"). Collectively helmed together with his regular co-scripter Elisabeth Perceval, pic initially shows a loose posse of studiedly forlorn Lyon youngsters who rally around some immigrants. Other half concentrates on the breakup of two Frenchies, both borderline obsessive, along with a foreigner who subsequently becomes the girl's new pet project. Equating some First World kids' amorous troubles with major sociopolitical issues affecting 1000's will strike most auds as pretentious, as the film's droning solemnity and drab HD lensing should give foreign distribs further pause. Meandering first hour provides a fly-on-the-wall take a look at a ragtag couple of students who've adopted several clandestine aliens, though their idealism is unfocused and poetic ("The worldwide horizon of democracy is war," it's helpfully described). Activities include smoking, consuming, worrying over love and fending from the police. When Carmen (Camille Rutherford) leaves clingy aspirant bard Charles (Luc Chessel, who appears like a "Twilight" Vulturi reject), happens is placed on her fresh fixation by having an Afghani poet (Arash Naimian). French thesps' acting ranges from drowsy to theatrical non-local people remain frustratingly anonymous.Camera (color, HD), Helene Louvart editor, Rose-Marie Lausson music, Ulysse Klotz, Romain Turzi production designer, Antoine Platteau costume designer, Caroline Tavernier. Examined at Locarno Film Festival (competing), August. 6, 2011. (Also in Toronto Film Festival -- Special Presentations.) Running time: 129 MIN. Contact Boyd van Hoeij at news@variety.com