Gabrielle could feel that way. I don't think that you're the only one who's brought it up. The fact that I had read Conrad's short story prior to watching the film (I can't believe that it's already been nearly 16 months since I saw it) certainly helped matters; I knew what to expect in narrative terms, though I was pleasantly surprised by the additions made by Chreau and his partner. It was very unique to watch a film which truly did feel like a "theatrical performance," though one for which I was more than willing to replace my eyes with Eric Gautier's.