Film Review
Here's a throwback to one kind of film that was once hugely popular - particularly in
the 1960s - but which has become comparatively rare: the family-friendly period comedy.
Il ne faut jurer de
rien has echoes of many classic films of this genre - from
Cartouche (1962) to
Les Mariés de l'an II (1971), with
a smattering of
Fanfan
la Tulipe (1953). It's a glossy production, with a touch of the Jane
Austens about it, well-paced, cheeky, engaging and with a plethora of likeably eccentric
characters - in short, a surprisingly enjoyable romp.
The film is loosely based
On ne badine pas avec l'amour, a well-known play by the great 19th
Century French writer Alfred de Musset. Whilst the film can in no way match the
subtlety, depth and maturity of Musset's play, and whilst it does have a few defects (notably
a tendency for silliness and vulgarity in a few places), it is nonetheless a spirited
and highly entertaining mainstream rom-com, the kind of film you'd sit down and watch
on a dreary winter's day to cheer yourself up.
The film's main attraction is its
triumvirate of leading actors. Gérard Jugnot needs no introduction - he's
well cast and gives great value (as ever). As the female lead, Mélanie
Doutey is mouth-wateringly delectable, showing far greater promise than her recent film-work
would have suggested. The big revelation is Jean Dujardin who, since his film debut
five years before, has hardly made such a big impact. With the physique of Belmondo
and charisma of Gérard Philipe, Dujardin looks destined to be a major star in French
cinema, filling a gap (the dashing romantic hero) that has been quite apparent in recent
years. Who'd have thought that six years on this former locksmith would win the Best Actor Oscar, for
his role in a black-and-white silent film,
The Artist (2011)?
© James Travers 2007
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.
Film Synopsis
Paris, 1830. Another revolution, another vacancy on the French throne. It's
a great time for free enterprise though. Georges van Buck, the owner of a tailoring
business, imagines that he will soon own the most exclusive fashion house in France, if
he can just think up a name for it. One of his clients, the Baroness de Mantes,
is unable to settle her debts with him, so she agrees to allow her daughter Cécile
to marry his nephew Valentin - an alliance which will earn Georges great prestige.
There are just three drawbacks to the scheme. Firstly, Valentin and Cécile
have never met. Secondly, Cécile has caught the revolutionary mood and has
next to no sympathy for her pro-monarchy mother. Thirdly, and most importantly,
Valentin is a diehard waster and a libertine, who would rather eat his own intestines
than get married...
© James Travers
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.