'Sagan'

As far as biopics go, "Sagan" is a fragmented and unsatisfactory rendition of a brilliant, fascinating life.

Francoise Sagan, who died in 2006 at the age of 69, remains one of France's most influential novelists. She was also among the most talked about literary celebrities of her day. Sagan's debut work, "Bonjour Tristesse," was written when she was 18 and within a few months earned over 500 million francs in royalties (which she subsequently went through as fast as she could write the checks).

Sagan's writing career spanned four decades. She consorted with the likes of Jean Paul Sartre and Francois Mitterrand, and she was a confirmed gambler, compulsive drinker and chain smoker. She was addicted to morphine and was arrested for drugs and tax fraud, all in the same week. The French media dubbed her "the charming little monster," and she lived her life like a testimonial to the phrase.