Les Jolies choses (2001) - film review

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...

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.

© James Travers 2008

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