Francois Ozon's latest film is a story of a 30 something fashion photographer whose arrogant and rather safe world is taken apart by the revelation that he is suffering with cancer. Romain chooses not to fight the disease, breaks up with his lover, insults his sister and cuts himself from everyone other than his similarly selfish grandmother (Jeanne Moreau). Memories of his happy childhood and a gradual rediscovery of the joys of living cause him to reconsider his final wishes.

There is a trend in cinema toward heroic figures dying slowly and nobly. Usually the figures are well-to-do characters of great promise who suffer in a such a way as to teach us all a message. That kind of movie doesn't float my boat. No chance of Ozon being accused of that. He sets Romain up as a nasty, rude, egotist with quite a vapid occupation. This is brave and makes the character's eventual rediscovery of life more of a satisfying story arc.

The writing here is meticulous and more than a little self-regarding. Ozon clearly sees himself in Romain and the film was inspired by the director's own health concerns. The central way that Romain grasps his existence and his desire to keep on living is through one of the more elaborate plot devices and odder ménage a trois you will ever come across. It seems a message that a lot of people might find rather conventional and antithetical - that the best we can do is create more life and perhaps Ozon sees this as Romain's egotism continuing. Still the sex scenes are touching and add to the eventual resolution of these characters roles.

One of the best things about the film is to see Moreau acting again and her role as a world-weary, aged hedonist suits her to a tea. Her role is central to the plot - she is the only person Romain confides in with his illness.

Romain becomes more humble as he becomes more ill and he eventually gives up his all. This is very moving although it does require patience on the part of the audience to stay with his initially selfish character.

Ozon's film is well crafted, beautifully shot and acted creditably. It lacks a little deeper resonance and the eventual resolution may seem too wishful and conventional, but the craft here is excellent and the film will stay with you. Recommended.