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6.1/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.1/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. All That is Not Worth Love remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Alright, so if you're not already into really old, often forgotten French cinema, then All That is Not Worth Love might not be your Saturday night pick. It’s definitely one for the film history buffs or those who just love seeing how movies were made way back when. If you're hoping for big drama or flashy visuals, you'll probably hate it. But if you’re curious about a quiet, sometimes uncomfortable look at human silliness, this one’s got some moments. 👍
The whole thing centers around Jules, a pharmacist. He’s completely smitten with Claire, who is quite a bit younger. You see his attempts to woo her, and honestly, it’s a masterclass in how to embarrass yourself. It felt less like a grand romance and more like watching someone dig a hole they can't quite climb out of. The film really just follows this one guy trying too hard. You know that feeling?
There's this scene where Jules tries to give Claire flowers, and his hands are just shaking. It's not played for huge laughs, but you can feel the tension, the sheer *cringe* of it. The camera stays on his face a bit too long, capturing every bit of his desperate hope. You almost want to look away. Then Claire just sort of... accepts them, almost out of pity. It’s a quiet moment, but it speaks volumes about where these two stand.
Mady Berry, who plays Claire’s mother, she’s a real treat. Her expressions are so subtle. A tiny shift in her eyes tells you everything about what she thinks of Jules’s clumsy advances. She’s not saying much, but she’s saying it all. She's got that old-school movie star presence, even in a smaller role.
The pacing is, well, leisurely. Things unfold slowly. It’s not trying to rush you anywhere. Sometimes, a shot just lingers on a street corner, or on Jules staring off into space. It's not boring, not exactly, but it does ask for your patience. You can really feel the era in how it’s put together.
Jean Gabin is in this too, though not in a huge part. He plays a friend, I think? He pops up and gives Jules some advice that probably isn't very helpful. It's cool to see him so early in his career, before he became the big star we remember. He’s got that natural charm already, even in just a few scenes.
A specific thing I noticed: the pharmacy set itself. It’s got all these old bottles and jars, dusty looking, very authentic. It grounds the story in a real place, even if the emotional drama sometimes feels a bit floaty. It's these small details that make it feel lived-in. The lighting in some of those interior shots, very natural, almost too dim sometimes.
The film doesn't really try to make a big statement. It just shows you this small slice of life, this pharmacist who’s got it bad for a girl. There’s no big payoff, no sudden revelation. It just kind of… ends. Like life, sometimes. It leaves you with this feeling of, 'Oh, well. That happened.'
Honestly, it’s less about grand themes and more about just observing people. It captures a specific kind of awkwardness that feels surprisingly timeless. You might not walk away feeling changed, but you’ll have seen a genuinely human story play out, without all the usual movie fluff. It's a glimpse into another time, and another way of telling a story. Worth a look if you’re into that sort of thing. But don't expect a wild ride. 🤷♀️
IMDb —
1916
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