Vlad & Antoinette displays fragments of a devolving relationship between a pair of acutely beautiful yet equally self-involved people. Though both photogenic, the principal angle of their coupling seems to be solely devoted to Vlad's blind adoration of beauty in Antoinette, often taking the form of back-handed compliments followed by self pity in the guise of reflection. Quick cuts of Vlad's thoughts and his dour presence belie a desire to end what does not seem to be working out, yet his own overpowering co-dependence and inability to stick up for his own well-being continue to hold him back. Antoinette is a constant case of unpleasant personal obsession, willing to consistently manipulate Vlad into being a willing party in a mysteriously tawdry lifestyle. Unfortunately for Vlad, this makes her his perfect companion. The two are made for each other as much as they should get away from each other at all costs, each serving a purpose in the others' broken existence.
The choices of color scheme plays a large part in establishing mood. Most of film is shot in black and white, lending a pessimistic take to a loveless relationship. The few bits filmed in color are revelatory of Vlad's inner desires of an end to his time with Antoinette, be it his own act of gunning her down or the quick shot of a record progressing to its conclusion. The film is wrought with this symbolic imagery, which comes across as both a condemnation of the type of self indulgence that Vlad and Antoinette represent, and a subtly humorous swipe at the blindness that can follow the wake of romance.
Whether one were to take it as a dramatic look at a broken couple, an examination of modern self-pity, or a cleverly sarcastic take on the worst habits of modern relationships, Vlad and Antoinette is an enjoyable bit of film.
The choices of color scheme plays a large part in establishing mood. Most of film is shot in black and white, lending a pessimistic take to a loveless relationship. The few bits filmed in color are revelatory of Vlad's inner desires of an end to his time with Antoinette, be it his own act of gunning her down or the quick shot of a record progressing to its conclusion. The film is wrought with this symbolic imagery, which comes across as both a condemnation of the type of self indulgence that Vlad and Antoinette represent, and a subtly humorous swipe at the blindness that can follow the wake of romance.
Whether one were to take it as a dramatic look at a broken couple, an examination of modern self-pity, or a cleverly sarcastic take on the worst habits of modern relationships, Vlad and Antoinette is an enjoyable bit of film.