Irène (2002) - film review

Irène has just turned thirty.  She is attractive, has a well-paid job in a good company, has plenty of girl friends and has just moved into a nice Parisian apartment.  Only one thing is missing from her life – a man.  Her problem is her fastidiousness.  François, the young man she hires to redecorate her flat, would appear to be the ideal mate – he’s kind, gives her friendly advice and is rather dishy.  But, no – he won’t do.  Instead, she falls for the dubious charms of her male colleague, Luca.  Unfortunately, by the time Irène has summoned up the courage to speak to Luca about her feelings for him, he has moved to Japan on a year long secondment.  Just her luck.  Then Irène suddenly realises that François could be her man.  There is certainly more to him than she first thought.  But is she in for another disappointment…?

Here’s a film that should appeal to all aficionados of the classic French rom-com, a typically Gallic version of Bridget Jones’s Diary that offers an engaging, sometimes hilarious, portrait of a frustrated thirty-something woman angling frantically for her beau idéal.  In his first film, director Ivan Calbérac adheres to the tried and tested formula of the romantic comedy, and whilst the film isn’t particularly original, it is well-made and hugely entertaining.   The script, design, photography and cast are all of a high calibre, and even if some of the plot developments are just a little ridiculous, the film does just about strike the right balance between farce and adult comedy-drama.

In her first principal film role, Cécile De France proves to be something of a revelation – not only does she hold the narrative focus brilliantly (which is essential for the film to work) but she also manages to make her character (an obviously caricatured stereotype of the Bridget Jones variety) both sympathetic and believable.  Her co-star, the very amiable Bruno Putzulu, is another inspired piece of casting; he brings substance and real human feeling, preventing the film from ending up as just another whimsical comedy.  There’s also a rather moving cameo appearance from the distinguished actor Patrick Chesnais.

All in all, Irène is a film that you just can’t help liking.  It’s funny, ironic and sometimes cruel, but it’s also pretty accurate in its depiction of human relationships in our modern, egoistical, 24x7 society.  The film probably won’t win many awards for cinematic innovation, but it will almost certainly help you to pass a very pleasant evening.

© James Travers 2007

Write a review for this film...

What do you think of this film?