Film Review
Those essential pillars of French life - family, friendship and food - are
the three main items on the menu of
Au petit Marguery, a likeable
food-themed comedy-drama from director Laurent Bénégui.
Prior to this, Bénégui made a respectable directorial debut
with the quirky comedy
Un type bien (1991), and subsequently went
on to helm
Mauvais Genre (1997) and
Qui perd gagne! (2004).
He has been more prolific as a writer, scripting films as diverse as Jean-Paul
Salomé's
Les Braqueuses (1994)
and Agnès Obadia's
Romaine
par moins-30 (2009), whilst writing several popular novels, most
notably the award winning
La Paresse de Dieu.
Adapted from one of Bénégui's novels,
Au petit Marguery
is a practically plotless ensemble piece, yet it manages to hold the attention
with its true-to-life interactions between a colourful collection of characters
as they partake of a gargantuan valedictory banquet. As the words 'feast'
and 'Stéphane Audran' are strongly linked (through the actress's presence
in Gabriel Axel's
Babette's Feast (1987)), it is only fitting that
Audran should be present as the hostess, affably partnered by that consummate
bon vivant, Michel Aumont.
So authentic is this amiable slice-of-life offering that it scarcely feels
like a staged drama. Audran is her usually beguiling herself, leading a sublime
cast who are as appetising as the sumptuous fare that gets placed on the
table before them. For devotees of French cuisine or gourmands generally
Au petit Marguery is a mouth-watering indulgence that is a torment
to watch on an empty stomach but a celebration of the things that are most
important in life - family, friendships and, above all else, good food. This
appetising starter should be followed by the main course
Les Saveurs du Palais
(2012). Bon appétit.
© James Travers 2001
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.
Film Synopsis
For the past 30 years, Hippolyte and his wife Joséphine have managed
a chic restaurant, Le petit Marguery, in a busy district of Paris.
Now, because of ill health, Hippolyte is forced to close the restaurant and
take his retirement. The proud restaurateur has no wish for this to
be a sad occasion, far from it. He intends going out in a blaze of
glory. So, on the final evening before closing, he and his wife host
an extravagant party for their family, friends and regular customers.
As usual, Hippolyte will use the occasion to show off his impressive culinary
skills, whilst Joséphine plays the perfect hostess. Amid the
festivities, the couple reflect on the memories the restaurant has given
them...
© James Travers
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.