Le Quart d'heure américain (1982) Directed by Philippe Galland
Comedy / Romance
Film Synopsis
Desperately disillusioned with his present humdrum existence in France, Ferdinand,
a balding and irascible 30-something, has made up his mind to leave the country
and start a new life in the Far East. He is thwarted in this ambition
when he becomes the unsuspecting target of feisty radio presenter Bonnie
as she takes to the airwaves to host her latest call-in programme.
Surprised by Bonnie's news that he has just won a cash prize, Ferdinand loses
control of his breakdown-down truck and suffers a road accident that makes
his vehicle a complete write-off. And the worst thing is that his prize
was only worth sixty francs!
Overcome with guilt for the trouble she has caused, Bonnie invites her hapless
victim back to her place for a cosy tête-à-tête.
Although they could hardly be more different, Ferdinand and Bonnie experience
an incredibly powerful mutual attraction. But whilst the former feels
he has at last met the love of his life, the latter cannot believe she has
fallen for such a mediocre and unattractive man. Bonnie has only just
got over one failed relationship. Is she ready to embark on another
so soon after her last disappointment - and with a whingeing dwarf of a man
who could so easily be mistaken for a garden ornament? In the end,
Ferdinand becomes sick and tired of Bonnie's ambivalent attitude towards
him and he decides to carry through his original plan of going into exile
in Asia. He doesn't get very far, however. Once Cupid strikes,
he seldom gives up easily...
The cinema of Japan is noteworthy for its purity, subtlety and visual impact. The films of Ozu, Mizoguchi and Kurosawa are sublime masterpieces of film poetry.