Les Jolies choses (2001) Directed by Gilles Paquet-Brenner
Drama
aka: Pretty Things
Film Review
Les Jolies choses is the
second screen adaptation of a novel by Virginie Despentes - following
her controversial 2000 film Baise-moi. The film marks
the directorial debut of Gilles Paquet-Brenner and features Marion
Cotillard - who would later win an Academy Award for her portrayal of
Edith Piaf in La Môme (2007) - in a
demanding double role.
Cotillard's tortured performance is just about the only thing going for
this film, which offers the most clichéd view of the show biz
world. The awkward mise-en-scène and cinematography have
the character of an ugly pop video and do little to disguise the
painful implausibility and vacuity of the narrative. The presence
of so many celebrity figures in the cast - Stomy Bugsy, Patrick Bruel,
Titoff and Ophélie Winter - looks more like a cynical
marketing ploy than a serious attempt to capture some real talent.
The above content is owned by frenchfilms.org and must not be copied.
Film Synopsis
Although they look so alike, Lucie and her twin sister Marie are polar
opposites. Whereas Marie is introverted, restrained and
intelligent, Lucie is outgoing and impulsive. Lucie wants to
pursue a career as a singer, but she has no talent. Marie,
however, has a remarkable singing voice. After a concert in which
Marie takes her place, Lucie commits suicide. Without a moment's
hesitation, Marie decides that she will become her sister, swapping her
dull life for Lucie's...
Cast:Marion Cotillard (Marie),
Stomy Bugsy (Nicolas),
Patrick Bruel (Jacques),
Titoff (Sébastien),
Ophélie Winter (Jessica),
Tony Amoni (Steve),
Matthieu Touboul (Martin),
Olivier Granier (Le père),
Aude Brenner (La mère),
Nikita Lespinasse (Heidi),
Guy Amram (Fred),
Martin Amic (Arthur),
Morgane Maugran (Physio night-club),
Xavier Briere (Inspecteur),
Albert Buis (Commerçant),
Lynda Haouzi (Jeune femme métro),
Axelle Renoir (Femme journaliste),
Frédéric Saurel (Homme restaurant),
Isabelle Tanakil (Femme cocaïne),
Niels Dubost (Homme boîte de nuit)
Country: France
Language: French
Support: Color
Runtime: 105 min
Aka:Pretty Things
The very best American film comedies
American film comedy had its heyday in the 1920s and '30s, but it remains an important genre and has given American cinema some of its enduring classics.
In his letters to his friends and family, Franz Kafka gives us a rich self-portrait that is surprisingly upbeat, nor the angst-ridden soul we might expect.
In the 1910s, French cinema led the way with a new industry which actively encouraged innovation. From the serials of Louis Feuillade to the first auteur pieces of Abel Gance, this decade is rich in cinematic marvels.
In the 1940s, the shadowy, skewed visual style of 1920s German expressionism was taken up by directors of American thrillers and psychological dramas, creating that distinctive film noir look.