Film Review
Claude Sautet's third collaboration with Yves Montand - after the popular
César et Rosalie (1972) and
Vincent, François, Paul...et les autres
(1974) - is this light hearted comedy-drama which plays to Montand's strengths and
allows Sautet to once more explore one of his favourite themes - the strength of friendship
in relation to the ephemeral nature of male-female romantic relationships. In comparison
with the director's better known works, it is pretty much an inconsequential film, easily
overlooked and soon forgotten once seen. However, a pleasing performance from a
relentlessly cheerful Yves Montand, here playing an ageing Don Juan of impeccable manners,
makes this a mildly enjoyable cinematic diversion.
© James Travers 2005
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.
Next Claude Sautet film:
Quelques jours avec moi (1988)
Film Synopsis
Alex's salad days may be well behind him but he still has drive and knows
how to charm the opposite sex. At present, he is happy enough with
his job as head waiter at a thriving Parisian brasserie. It is his
responsibility to ensure things run as smoothly as possible in this classy
eating establishment, pandering to the ego of head chef Francis whilst at
all times respecting the supremacy of the paying customer. Divorced,
he is rediscovering the joys of the old bachelor life, and, being a charmer
of the old school, he has no difficulty attracting women desirous of a harmless
amorous fling with a man of character.
Alex is a softy at heart, which is why he allows his friend Gilbert to lodge
with him until the time is right for him to move in with his new girlfriend,
Marie-Pierre. One day, Alex is reacquainted with a young woman, Claire,
whom he first met a decade and a half ago. Smitten with her, he hastily
enrols in an English class at the language school where she works and in
next to no time he and Claire are an item. Thinking that he has at
last met the woman of his dreams, Alex now turns his mind to fulfilling his
one great ambition - to open a leisure park by the sea. Unfortunately,
Claire doesn't yet have the inclination to settle down and it isn't long
before the couple split up. With a little help from one of his earlier
conquests, Alex finally gets to live his dream...
© James Travers
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.