This film is nowhere close to Ophuls's landmark, but it did inaugurate Moreau's extraordinary run of '60s art films in high style.

It is incredible to think that Malle was only 25 years old when he made The Lovers, as it seems to hold the wisdom and erotic impulses of a much older man.

The film falls between the two stools of realism and romanticism with a pretty resounding thud.

What a difference a lay makes...