Grimblat's decision to treat the romance (initially) as a parody means he saturates the romantic interludes with massive close-ups and reaction shots of the burgeoning lovers (heightening their giddy banter at one point with whip-pans, until the couple kiss in a two-shot), and the whole film begins as a media, pop culture, and romance spoof... until, as viewers, we realize the chemistry between actors Birkin and Gainsbourg is very real, and very charming, and perhaps natural, because according to a recent documentary by filmmaker Philippe Labro (Legende: Serge Gainsbourg), Grimblat's original proposal to Gainsbourg seemed inspired by the composer's own persona of a 40 year old, playing Pygmalion with young beautiful women before destroying each blissful lifestyle.
