An underground subway system was all architect Gustave Eiffel (Romain Duris) proposed for the 1889 Universal Exposition in Paris. Stepping into the light, he designed a metal tower 300 meters high, to be built where everyone can see it. What could have been a towering bore offers up a CG recreation of the construction of an iconic landmark that’s quite the eyeful. It’s difficult to sustain suspense when everyone knows the ending going in, which explains the romantic subplot made up of whole cloth by screenwriter Caroline Bongrand. As it turns out, these “freely inspired” moments have a foundation in truth, leaving one to question why this wasn’t uncovered during Bongrand’s research. As much as one desired more behind-the-scenes insights, the forbidden romance never gets in the way. The recently widowed Eiffel is an artist with a vision grander than himself, a man who has it all, except for his childhood sweetheart. The currently spoken-for Adrienne Bourgès (Emma Mackey) came back into the picture after wealthy father helped to bankroll a small portion of his endeavors. Locals feared the construction of the 300 foot monument would result in an eyesore that would collapse and sink into the Seine. If the couple’s torrid girder romance high above the rooftops of Paris doesn’t melt the rivets, nothing will. Martin Bourboulon directs. (2021) — Scott Marks
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