This could be great as a short film. But 3:20hrs is a gauntlet. If this was a mute film, it would help the movie, as the dialogues are scarce and add very little to the plot. From minute 10 you can already expect what's going to happen: A cliché Francophone cinema dramatic ending. And very tediously, it happens. I saw this in the top spot of the British Film Institute's top 100 movies and the critic that lauds it just can't write enough to cover up the dullness of the movie, script and takes. The acting is the only rescuable, still, anyone who has ever made chores around the house could take the part, but... 15 minutes to see how she makes a cafe au lait? Instant cure for insomnia.