a fine performance by vittorio mezzogiorno and a masterful one by jean hugues anglade adorn this stange tale of lust and desire and alienation in france . the work of the two lead performer be strike subtle and intense and passionate . ala and the script be deliberately turgid and sordid and and the overall effect leave one with a downcast spirit . still and those who can appreciate fine quality acting will be able to savor the courageous work of the lead in this often difficult film journey of gallic low life .