Happenstance (2000)

French fluff about the so-called butterfly effect. Myriad of soul connect, intersect, disconnect. Well worn myth of how a chance act or word can impact others. Yes, we think our words or deeds are so important. This film flits from one loser to another, eventually going nowhere.I didn't buy the reactions and interactions, though everyone with me were female, and they did. In fact, there was a protracted discussion afterward. For me, Life is random, our choices limited at best. Everyone else, held that there is FATE and we have choices. If you are in the latter category, you will rate this higher. Unforgettable scene involving a cockroach.

Laurent Firode's peculiar "Happenstance" (called "Le Battement d'ailes du papillon" in its original French) focuses on the theory of the butterfly effect, meaning that any action or decision, no matter how small or insignificant it seems, will cause other things to happen. The movie focuses on several different individuals in Paris over the course of one day, as their lives intersect and their actions affect each other.Any movie like this - others include "The Cooler" and "Match Point" - begs the question as to whether or not our lives flow independently or are in fact getting influenced directly by each other (as it was, the last scene in "The Shining" posed this question also). One could easily look at the course of world history to find events that, had they turned out differently, would have easily changed the course of history.* But a person could spend eternity talking about that. "Happenstance" is certainly fun to watch, gazing at the characters as their actions initiate a new series of events every time. And of course, who doesn't like the sight of Audrey Tautou? I recommend it.Also starring Faudel, Eric Savin, Nathalie Besançon and Lysiane Meis.*Without World War II, power might never have shifted from Europe to the United States.

Having watched this clever film, all of us can relate to its message, and we can discuss the whys of our lives -- and, perhaps, we shall become somewhat dizzy during that exercise.This film, with the exception of the male nude scene, would be ideal for a classroom; it would serve as a springboard to a great discussion. Recently I thanked an "old" boyfriend for his decision to attend a certain college to which I, also, applied because of him. He did not attend, I did, and, of course, I met my future husband there."Happenstance" must be watched in one sitting since the cast of characters is rather large in number, and their lives are intertwined. I forgot all about the security guard with the dog and later the bug. Fast-forwarding slowly the DVD allowed me to refresh my memory; I watched this film over a period of three days; therefore, I did forget a few encounters.This is a fun-film to keep in mind for some light mental exercises. I agree with some other posters: the man in the park did not have to tell the viewers the point to all this.Good film -- stay awake for all of it.

To me, this review may contain spoilers, but I like watching movies with NO idea of what is going to happen, so therefore I think many of the other reviews here of this movie contain spoilers!I just watched this movie again, and I must reiterate that it has the BEST ending to any movie. Ever. Ever. Ever. The real translation, 'The Beating of the Butterfly's Wings', is oddly not used as the translated title. I suppose they thought most Americans wouldn't know what Chaos Theory is (except for those who saw or read "Jurassic Park"). The movie is based on chaos theory, and how one small event can affect the outcome of seemingly unrelated events, which all lead back to one event. The movie is a whirlwind of wondrous cause and effect, as we follow the chain of chaos as it intertwines between several characters (about 20?). In a way, the ending seems inevitable despite this, but if you think about it, it is a perfect ending. Think to yourself, "what else needed to be said"? It is at the same time a very brave ending. Too bad we have to go overseas for a gem like this one, but an ending like this would NEVER come out of Hollywood.