Mille millièmes (2002)
Directed by Rémi Waterhouse

Film Review

In this, his second film (after the noteworthy Je règle mon pas sur le pas de mon père), Rémi Waterhouse weaves a patchwork quilt comedy-drama centred in an unusual microcosm.  Rather like an expensive nouvelle cuisine meal, the film looks good but is actually rather an insubstantial affair.  The star-studded cast (which includes some very talented and much sought-after French film actors) is wasted, or at least seems to be inappropriate for this kind of film.  Whilst there is probably some merit in the film's subject, with its original situation and plethora of interesting characters, the lacklustre direction, fragmented narrative and bland characterisation combine to make this a frustratingly unsatisfying film.

Film Synopsis

In an anonymous apartment block on the Rue des Oursins in Paris, Patrick Bertil is anxious to create a duplex by combining his flat with that of his wife so that they can live together.  Unfortunately, this involves some substantial building work which the other residents are hostile to.  In an attempt to win his opponents round, Patrick invites them all to a dinner so he can get to know them better.  His guests include Julie, a dentist, Madame Chartreux, an amnesiac old woman, and Monsieur Da Silva, the concierge.  It seems that, despite the ready smiles, the residents have a natural inclination to despise one another.  Some object to their neighbours doing charity work to support homeless people.  Others are so fearful of the risk of a gas explosion that they want to switch to electricity.  It's a strange little world, teaming with bigotry, resentment and misunderstanding...