Romy Schneider (1938-1982), one of those actresses about whom you can still say "She was a true artist" constantly makes us think of her various roles that she played with genuine passion. Perhaps, what comes to our mind first are the most famous roles from both her German and French career. Here, however, we see Romy in a remake movie built upon a love story: so touching, so universal where two lovers swear each other endless love and keep their promise. At the same time, CHRISTINE by Pierre Gaspard Huit, is a historic movie for Romy herself because it was here she met the "love of her life" - Alain Delon. But let me skip all of the background information now, including the remake nature of the film, and focus purely on the movie itself.
50 years have passed since its premiere and a typical question arises: Is CHRISTINE still a movie that you will at least consider "watchable"?
Let me make myself clear: CHRISTINE is nothing of a thought provoking film, no sort of ambitious content, no masterwork whatsoever. If you await something educational, intellectual or entertaining, this one will rather disappoint you. CHRISTINE's strong point, I think, is the beauty and emotions it conveys. It is not only the story that reminds many people of classic love dramas (some even overrated it as a German version of ROMEO AND JULIET), but the way the story is executed. It's a very romantic picture filled with moments of affection, nostalgia, subtleness and mystery. The action takes place in Vienna in 1906 at the very twilight of the Habsburgian reign. However, that historical aspect constitutes a significant background for all the rest. The cameraman very well managed to combine this picture with the focus of our attention, the couple: Christine (Romy Schneider) and Fritz (Alain Delon). Such images remained in my memory as the opera in the theater where the emperor Franz Joseph takes part; little charming cafés that the couple visit; sweet balls of aristocracy and an "outdoor picnic". What a peaceful life in the monarchy, which is, of course, partly illusive!
There are some lovely scenes in the movie that we should not ignore. First of all, it is Fritz's visit to Christine's house and his meeting with her father, a musician. The moment they talk about music is interrupted by the picture of Christine singing "Ave Maria" on rehearsals. Besides, a significant moment is their voyage which gives us an insight into a very nice mood. Another beautiful moment is the echo "I love you". The final closeup on Christine's face appears to be a very memorable moment of the whole movie. I am aware that you may find this sweet and unnatural - such a chocolate with sugar, like WENN DER WEISSE FLIEDER, MONPTI, MAEDCHENJAHRE EINER KOENIGIN, etc. Yet, it all directs our thinking towards something positive. That is, in my opinion, what makes these movies pleasant to watch.
However, I don't think that I have already encouraged many movie buffs to watch CHRISTINE. In fact, a lot of modern people do not like sentimentality, tragic stories of love with duels and vows. Yet, I insist saying that you should see it. It's due to one more aspect: performances! In such love stories, the most important focus is the couple, if they are genuine in their performances, if viewers do not notice anything fake. Romy Schneider and Alain Delon perfectly meet these requirements! Schneider's buffs will find her performance exceptional. Others will find it marvelous. It seems clear that she was feeling very comfortable at Alain Delon's side. There is a chemistry between them and they both do very good jobs. The supporting cast are, of course, in the shadow but it does not lower anything.
A nice film far from masterpiece, yet very worth watching as a sentimental, nice movie about gentle love. Yes, after all this half century, there is still something valuable to discover. It is a pity that CHRISTINE has not become an important part of Romy's filmography because it is clearly Schneider-Delon's moment in the history of cinema. 7/10
