One of the film’s most compelling motifs is the attempt to convert love into data. Throughout the narrative, Mia uses spreadsheets, heart‑rate monitors, and even early‑stage “relationship apps” to gauge Ethan’s commitment. This reflects a broader cultural shift at the time: the rise of quantified self technologies and social‑media metrics (likes, comments, followers) as proxies for personal validation.

Critical Insight:
Film scholar Dr. Lena García (University of California, Los Angeles) argues that How Much Do You Love Me? serves as a pre‑cautionary tale for the algorithmic love that would dominate the next decade. She writes:

“The spreadsheet in Mia’s apartment anticipates the later emergence of relationship‑tracking apps that promise to ‘optimize’ intimacy. The film’s uneasy humor lies in its recognition that love resists such optimization.”

The film gained traction on early peer‑to‑peer platforms (e.g., early BitTorrent communities) and later on streaming services that specialize in indie titles. It is now a frequent pick for film‑studies courses examining “the romance of the early 2000s digital era.”

François (Bernard Campan) is a timid, middle-aged insurance clerk living in a decrepit Parisian apartment. He has no friends, a bad heart, and a love for Italian opera. One night, he wanders into a seedy bar and meets Daniela (Monica Bellucci)—a beautiful, expensive prostitute who usually works the luxury hotels.

In a moment of improbable courage (fueled by a lottery win), François makes her an offer she can’t refuse: One million euros to live with him as his wife until the money runs out.

Daniela agrees. But the catch? She can never lie to him. What follows is a bizarre love triangle involving François’s ghostly doctor (played by the late, great Gérard Depardieu), a horny neighbor, and a gangster. The film dances between farce and tragedy, never letting you feel comfortable with the premise.

MUBI, the curated cinema platform, frequently rotates Bertrand Blier’s filmography into its library. If you are a subscriber, you can stream it instantly. MUBI also allows offline downloads for mobile devices.