L'Intrus (The Intruder)

Clarie Denis is a directoral great, but this film is a failure, perhaps her first.
Based on a book by the (minor) philosopher Jean-Luc Nancy, this film is scattergun and messy. It starts off interestingly enough, with some interesting, classic Denis sensuality and discussion of relationships. The themes of where intrusion and intimacy meet, of how the intrusion of the Other relies in our own subjectivity, are of course fascinating and important. But if you can write a book that says everything the film does, then you haven't made a film.
The central character's experiences are told through a way of getting into his mind, and this works up to a point. However, the constant non-chronological shifts are not dealt with well, and we have way too many establishing shots. It becomes overburdened in its own labyrinth, meaning we actually lose the central character for long periods. Thus, some of what are intended to be the emotional climaxes appear too random.
The acting is good, though your lead Subor would have to be off the scale to make this film engaging. Gulobeva, who delivered one of the great performances in 'I Can't Sleep', is woefully underused. Indeed, outside of the central performance the sheer panopoly of characters mean we never get to know anyone.
Perhaps this is part of the point, the character's rootlessness evident in this, perhaps a parable of contemporary capitalism and its self-contradictions. There are interesting thngs to say about this film, but after abour 45 mintues it becomes evident that it won't be much fun to watch.