By the Sea (Movie)

Title — By the Sea
Available on — Prime Video - amazon.com
Production Country — France, Malta, United States
Release Date — 2015
Troubled by the state of their marriage, Vanessa and Roland visit a French seaside town, where they have a fateful encounter with a pair of newlyweds.

đŸĒļ Story & Synopsis

Set in 1960s France, “By the Sea” follows the story of a troubled American couple, Vanessa and Roland, portrayed by real-life couple Angelina Jolie Pitt and Brad Pitt. Arriving at a picturesque coastal resort for a much-needed vacation, they check into an elegant suite at a local hotel. Roland, a successful author grappling with writer’s block, hopes the serene surroundings will inspire him to start a new book.

Initially disinterested in their surroundings and each other, Vanessa and Roland’s relationship begins to shift when they encounter a young newlywed couple and the friendly locals. Vanessa, a former dancer, discovers a hidden peephole in the wall of their hotel room, sparking her curiosity and leading her to observe the lives of others.

As the days pass, the film delves into themes of gaze, fidelity, possession, grief, and vanity, painting a melancholic and introspective portrait of the couple’s strained marriage. Despite the picturesque backdrop of the French seaside and the allure of the resort, Vanessa and Roland’s personal struggles and emotional distance become more pronounced.

Directed and written by Angelina Jolie Pitt, “By the Sea” offers a nuanced exploration of marriage and femininity in an art house style. The cinematography by Christian Berger captures the beauty of the coastal setting, enhancing the film’s visual appeal. However, the storytelling is critiqued for its lack of depth and failure to engage viewers on a deeper level, leaving many feeling indifferent towards the characters and their journey.

Throughout the film, Vanessa and Roland’s interactions with the young couple and the locals serve as a catalyst for introspection and self-discovery. As they navigate their own challenges and confront unresolved issues within their relationship, the couple’s emotional journey unfolds against the backdrop of the idyllic French seaside.

While “By the Sea” may not have garnered widespread acclaim or commercial success, it offers a thought-provoking exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. Jolie Pitt’s directorial vision, coupled with the on-screen chemistry between the leading actors, provides a compelling narrative that invites viewers to reflect on the intricacies of marriage and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.

🧑 Cast & Crew

Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, MÊlanie Laurent, Melvil Poupaud, Niels Arestrup, Richard Bohringer

Movie Casting:

Actor Role
Brad Pitt Roland
Angelina Jolie Pitt Vanessa
MÊlanie Laurent LÊa
Niels Arestrup Michel
Melvil Poupaud François
Richard Bohringer Patrice

đŸ’Ŧ Reviews and feedback

Grab your popcorn and get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions as we dive into the tumultuous world of the movie “By the Sea.” Imagine a blend of a soap opera, a therapy session, and a fashion show all wrapped up in one cinematic experience.

As you step into the realm of “By the Sea,” you are greeted with the somber tale of a married couple on the edge of despair, portrayed by none other than Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. The film delves deep into themes of gaze, fidelity, grief, and vanity against the backdrop of a rocky 1970s marriage.

Plot and Themes:

  • The plot unfolds like a slow dance, revealing the raw emotions and inner turmoil of the characters. It’s not your typical feel-good movie; instead, it takes you on a journey through the complexities of relationships.
  • The exploration of possession, self-destruction, and marital understanding adds layers to the narrative, making you ponder over the fragility of human connections.

Acting and Characters:

  • Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt deliver performances that tug at your heartstrings. Their portrayal of a couple grappling with their demons is both captivating and heart-wrenching.
  • The characters feel real and flawed, drawing you into their world of pain and longing. You can’t help but empathize with their struggles despite their flaws.

Direction and Cinematography:

  • Angelina Jolie’s directorial prowess shines through in her meticulous attention to detail. Every frame is crafted with care, creating a visual feast for the eyes.
  • The cinematography captures the essence of melancholy beautifully, immersing you in the melancholic atmosphere of the film.

Production Design and Score:

  • The production design transports you back to the 1970s era with its authentic sets and costumes. It’s like stepping into a time capsule filled with nostalgia.
  • The haunting score complements the mood of the film perfectly, evoking emotions that linger long after the credits roll.

Binge-watching Tips: Keep tissues handy while watching “By The Sea” as it’s an emotional rollercoaster that will have you reaching for them more than once!

Overall, “By The Sea” is not your typical feel-good flick. It’s a poignant exploration of love, loss, and everything in between. While some may find it too slow or melancholic for their taste, others will appreciate its depth and emotional resonance.

Rating: 7/10

So grab your favorite blanket, dim the lights, and immerse yourself in this emotionally charged journey through love and loss with “By The Sea.”

Pros Cons
Beautifully evolving story Terrible and felt like eternity
Great examination of marriage and femininity Dour and cold reception, considered as a dour downer
Well-acted performances by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Slow, sodden, and stupefyingly dull
Interesting exploration of gaze, fidelity, and possession Perplexing and imperfect dialogue

Feedback

  • By the Sea (2015) - IMDb

    Brooding, aimlessly wandering through city streets, laying in bed, smoking, and sulking would be much more enjoyable activities if we could all look as beautiful as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie Pitt do some variation of the five for nearly two hours in their latest film By the Sea. Upon initially seeing the trailer, which featured little else other than the beautiful location of MÄĄarr ix-Xini, a bay on the island of Gozo, serving as the backdrop for Brad and Angelina as they slum around a beautiful place looking like they just came out of a makeup chair, I was about as skeptical as could be about the level of sustenance in this film. Because of this, it’s surprising to note that this is a film that, in spite of itself, does a nice job at posing a commentary on relationships and marriage despite not using a great deal of dialog or events.Set in 1970’s France, the minimalist story revolves around Roland and Vanessa (Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie Pitt), a married couple of fourteen years who are experiencing a rough patch in their relationship. One can immediately tell the rough patch stems from their inability to talk about anything, with his vice being the local tavern where he’ll go to write, but instead, drink the day away, and her lethargy and unwillingness to get out of bed every day being her way of coping. The two make a cozy hotel their home, as Roland writes and gets to know the bartender Michel (Niels Arestrup), who has just lost his wife, while Vanessa enjoys peering into the hotelroom adjacent to theirs via a small hole in their wall, closed off by a wad of paper. Vanessa spends her days sipping wine, squirming on her balcony, or watching the young couple of LÊa and François (MÊlanie Laurent and Melvil Poupaud) have sex through the hall.Roland and Vanessa have a relationship predicated upon arguing, ignoring, and moderate amounts of spousal abuse before Roland discovers the hole in the wall and his wife’s hobby. When he does, the two use the time to drink, eat, and enjoy the view of their young neighbors together. Their attraction to LÊa and François isn’t something that’s too out of the blue; the young couple are in their late twenties, which many consider to be the best years of a person’s life because they can inconsequentially try new things and embark on new experiences without having to make a variety of exceptions. With that, LÊa and François also still appear to be in love, willing to talk and do pretty much anything together, be it spontaneously go out to dinner or have sex without any kind of reservation. This leads to the subtle assertion on Roland and Vanessa’s behalf that perhaps they have overcomplicated their own marriage, or they even have fallen out of love with one another.Through the pervasive bouts of staring, drinking, smoking, and wandering in By the Sea are some seriously tender moments of realizations, and this comes in Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie Pitt’s ability to convey emotion through their facial expressions and mannerisms instead of Jolie Pitt replicating such emotions in a way that would embellish their significance. Whether we see Roland act like a hopeless drunk and make a complete buffoon out of himself in front of Michel, his new friend, or we watch Vanessa fight and throw a tantrum when her husband innocently visits her in the shower, we get bold representations of mood through these scenes thanks to the understated power of the real-life couple’s acting abilities.The fundamental flaw with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie Pitt acting in a film together, let alone the two producing it and Jolie Pitt writing and directing it, is that the film will be examined in two ways: a testament to the couple’s real life relationship, which ultimately gives it the impression of a vanity project, or it will be seen as two high-profile tabloid figures that audiences have a hard time convincing themselves their characters on screen aren’t the same ones who still, to this day, glitz tabloid covers in grocery stores. The hard part is By the Sea is so minimalist in its style, so slight in its narrative and character development, that those who aren’t known to appreciate aesthetic and craft in a film, especially in the way the film adheres to the visual conventions (not so much technical or aesthetic) of French New Wave, aren’t likely to tolerate this film’s two hour runtime and liberal narrative. This is a film that boasts a reward that comes with contemplation hours after you’ve seen it.By the Sea, though it hinges ever-so delicately on the realm of self-parody thanks to its excessive brooding, mopey character behavior, and the characters constantly looking attractive despite operating in a disheveled state of defeat, is also a sad film that mixes ideas of marital disconnect, kinkiness, voyeurism, and marital stability in long-term relationships in a fascinating way. Its examination of relationships – by juxtaposing a young, idealistic couple with an aging and distant one – paints a striking portrait of an ugly marriage against a backdrop of beauty, adding layers to a film that would look wonderful on a post-card. To conclude on a bizarre comparison, Jolie Pitt’s intention of how to paint marriage reminds me of how director and photographer Larry Clark chose to paint the suburbs of America in the 1950’s – as beautiful, precise landscapes that housed dysfunction. The same can be said for Jolie Pitt’s examination of marriage.Starring: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie Pitt, MÊlanie Laurent, Melvil Poupaud, and Niels Arestrup. Directed by: Angelina Jolie Pitt.

  • By the Sea (2015 film) - Wikipedia

    By the Seais a 2015 American romantic drama film written and directed by Angelina Jolie (credited as Angelina Jolie Pitt), and produced by and starring Jolie and Brad Pitt. Shot in August 2014 during Pitt and Jolie’s honeymoon in Gozo, Malta, the film was released by Universal Pictures on November 14, 2015.

  • By the Sea movie review & film summary (2015) | Roger Ebert

    “By the Sea” looks beautiful, thanks to the cinematography by Christian Berger, but the sleek exteriors cannot make up for the shallow storytelling. I can only presume that there was something about this particular story that grabbed Jolie Pitt and inspired her to bring it to the screen, but whatever it was, she has utterly failed to convey that into terms about which viewers could possibly care. All we are left with is little more than a dour downer of a film that will leave most moviegoers as cold and indifferent as the characters they have been watching. They will want to visit Malta after seeing how it has been presented here—however, if this movie is any indication of the sort of people who might turn up there, they might want to wait until the off-season.

  • By the Sea - Official Trailer (Universal Pictures) - YouTube

⚠ī¸ Explanation (Spoiler)

In the movie “By the Sea,” grief is portrayed as an art form, uniquely experienced and handled by each individual. The film delves into the complexities of loss and sorrow through its multi-layered characters. The story follows Lee, a janitor dealing with mundane tasks, who is thrust into turmoil when his brother passes away, leaving him as the legal guardian of his nephew, Patrick.

Lee, portrayed as detached and haunted by past demons, struggles to come to terms with his new responsibilities amidst his own unresolved grief. The despondency of the film is depicted through wintry settings and a disconnected musical score, emphasizing the characters’ emotional distance.

The movie’s ending offers a glimpse of hope as Lee experiences a minor breakthrough in coping with his grief and guilt. This moment signifies a subtle shift in his emotional journey, highlighting the raw and realistic portrayal of loss throughout the film.

“By the Sea,” directed by Kenneth Lonergan, stands out for its poignant exploration of grief and sadness, making it a compelling and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.

đŸ‘Ē Parents Guide & Age Rating

R

Age Rating:

By the Sea Movie is rated R for strong sexual content, nudity, and language.

Parental Guide:

By the Sea Movie contains mature themes and content that may not be suitable for all audiences. Here is a detailed parental guide to help you make an informed decision about whether the movie is appropriate for your child:

  • Sex & Nudity: The movie includes explicit sexual content, including scenes of intimacy between a married couple, nudity, and sexual dialogue.
  • Violence & Gore: While there is no intense violence or gore in the movie, there are themes of emotional turmoil and relationship struggles.
  • Profanity: The film contains strong language throughout, including the use of profanities and sexual references.
  • Alcohol/Drugs/Smoking: Characters are seen drinking alcohol in social settings.
  • Frightening/Intense Scenes: The movie deals with complex emotions and the breakdown of a marriage, which may be intense for some viewers.

Due to the mature content and themes portrayed in By the Sea Movie, it is recommended for adult audiences and not suitable for children under 17 without parental guidance.

đŸ“ē Streaming and where to watch

streaming service extra information
Prime Video – amazon.com Available to rent or buy. Rent for HD $4.59
The Roku Channel, Tubi TV, Freevee Watch for free with ads or buy it as download on Amazon Video. Rent also available on Amazon Video online

❝ Quotes and Cult

  • Are we ever going to talk about it? 'Nessa, do you hate me?
  • If you really love someone, you want more for them than you want for yourself. Do you understand?
  • I'm blowing you a kiss!
  • We could be happy, you know.
  • Sometimes the only way to keep them off is to throw the kid directly in the ocean to distract them!

🤖By the Sea Reddit Talks

Reception and Critics’ Reviews

Angelina Jolie’s directorial debut, “By the Sea,” faced an uphill battle from the get-go. Without a strong critical reception or awards buzz to bolster its appeal, the film’s niche subject matter struggled to compete against more popular and話題 contenders during awards season.

Themes Explored

Despite its commercial shortcomings, “By the Sea” delves into profound themes of grief and loss. Jolie herself has stated that the film is “at its core, about grief,” drawing inspiration from the loss of her mother in 2007. The movie’s setting and aesthetic evoke the films of the 1960s and ’70s, a period that Jolie’s mother cherished.

Critical Consensus

The critical consensus on “By the Sea” is decidedly mixed. Some critics praised the film’s melancholic atmosphere and exploration of complex themes, while others found it tedious and unengaging.

Positive Reviews

  • “At its core, the film is melancholic and even unsettling, examining ideas of gaze, fidelity and possession, grief and even vanity itself.”
  • “This movie was terrible. This movie felt like it was three days long… It just felt like an eternity.”

Negative Reviews

  • “Angelina Jolie’s new vanity project ‘By The Sea’ is not … Clearly acting isn’t her thing either. I can’t recall a single good movie she’s been in. Maybe she should stick to humanitarian work.”
  • “By The Sea (2016) : r/cinematography By the sea is a film which stands out for its unique and fascinating pictures of the everyday life of a destitute fisher boy whose fatherâ€Ļ”

Comparison to “Manchester by the Sea”

Critics have drawn comparisons between “By the Sea” and another critically acclaimed film about grief and loss, “Manchester by the Sea.” While both films explore similar themes, “Manchester by the Sea” has been lauded for its raw emotion, strong performances, and realistic portrayal of everyday human struggles.

Commercial Failure

Despite the star power of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, “By the Sea” failed to resonate with audiences. The film’s lack of commercial success has been attributed to its uncommercial subject matter and the absence of a strong marketing campaign.

Angelina Jolie’s Vanity Project

Some critics have labeled “By the Sea” as Angelina Jolie’s “vanity project,” suggesting that it was a self-indulgent exercise rather than a genuine artistic endeavor. This criticism stems from the film’s perceived lack of commercial appeal and its focus on Jolie’s personal experiences.

Conclusion

“By the Sea” is a divisive film that has elicited both praise and criticism for its exploration of grief and loss. While some critics have found merit in its melancholic atmosphere and complex themes, others have dismissed it as a tedious and self-indulgent vanity project. Ultimately, the film’s mixed reception and commercial failure highlight the challenges of balancing artistic vision with commercial appeal.

Top discussions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the point of the movie By the Sea?

The movie By the Sea explores the disintegrated relationship between a writer husband and his former dancer wife, examining themes of marriage, self-destruction, and deeper understanding.

What is the story behind the movie By the Sea?

By the Sea follows an American couple, Roland and Vanessa, as they arrive at a coastal resort in 1960s France. Roland, a writer with writers’ block, aims to find inspiration while on vacation.

What town was By the Sea filmed?

By the Sea was filmed in the picturesque town of Gozo, Malta, during Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s honeymoon in August 2014.

Why did By the Sea flop?

By the Sea received mixed reviews and was perceived as a slow-paced, melancholic film exploring complex themes, which might not have resonated well with all viewers.

Is By the Sea a good movie?

By the Sea is a melancholic and unsettling drama that tackles themes of gaze, fidelity, possession, and vanity. While some find it beautifully evolving, others may perceive it as a long and challenging watch.

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