L’Homme de ma vie (1992) - film review

When Aimée loses her job, she decides to find a husband who will keep her in the manner to which she intends to become accustomed.  Her first target is a misanthropic bookseller, Maurice.  Although the two get on well together, Aimée is put off when she learns that Maurice has no money and is about to lose his shop.  Enter Malcolm, a famous restaurant critic, who appears to be exactly what Aimée is looking for – well, at least he is rich. Aimée initially has no qualms about marrying Malcolm, but soon learns to regret her decision.  Who is really the man of her life?

This is light romantic comedy which, whilst a little slow and rambling in places, is overall quite entertaining.  First, Maria de Medeiros is magnificent as the flighty gold-digging Aimée, her quiet self-deprecating personality fitting the part very well indeed - and she does look amazing in that one-piece tight-fitting red dress.

The script has some genuinely funny moments and whilst the characterisation is a little thin, tending towards caricature for the most part, the characters are just about believable, reflecting modern attitudes quite well.  The character Catherine is particularly amusing – a woman who asks a man to ring her secretary if he can’t keep a dinner date.  Also, the idea of a misanthropic womaniser, who prefers books to people, but who has no qualms about taking his trousers down in public, has some entertainment value.

The best thing about this film (excluding the catchy signature tune) is that it portrays a convincing love story from a very unusual, and unpredictable, angle.  One reason why Aimée’s obsession with getting married is so funny is because it is so politically incorrect and defies the conventions of its time.  This is a film that is based on and mocks the contradictions of modern life – and that is why it works so well.

© James Travers 2000

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