Pédale douce (1996)
Directed by Gabriel Aghion

Comedy

Film Review

Abstract picture representing Pedale douce (1996)
One of the most popular and talked about French films of 1996, Pédale douce is effectively an updated version of the classic La Cage aux folles (1979) in that it largely features gay characters conforming pretty much to the stereotypical view of the time.  Whilst the film has some very funny comic situations and is occasionally rather moving, the sheer abundance of gay clichés makes the film appear dated and painfully unsubtle - and some may even find it offensive (for the same reason that jokes about racial minorities have become unacceptable).   The wonderful Fanny Ardant was awarded a César for her complex and rather touching portrayal of a “fag hag” torn between the two men she loves, one straight, the other gay.  Unconventional and mildly provocative, Pédale douce still manages to entertain, in spite of Patrick Timsit and Jacques Gamblin's awkward and downright embarrassing attempts at playing gay.
© James Travers 2006
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.
Next Gabriel Aghion film:
Belle maman (1999)

Film Synopsis

Adrien is about to close an important business deal with banking supremo Alexandre.  Before signing the contract, Alexandre invites Adrien to a dinner party, insisting that he bring his wife.  Being gay, Adrien has no other option other than to ask his best friend, Eva, to pose as his wife.  The owner of a riotous gay club, Eva is a free speaking individual who generally despises heterosexual men despite being attracted to them.  Alexandre is so taken with Eva that he decides to make a surprise visit to her “restaurant”.  He is not impressed by what he sees: one of his colleagues, André, and Adrien are having a wild time in the company of overtly gay men.   What Alexandre doesn't realise is that his wife, Marie, has followed him to the restaurant and quickly puts two and two together, concluding that her husband is a closet homosexual.  Whilst Alexandre resorts to ever desperate means to get it together with Eva, Marie becomes even more convinced that he is gay...
© James Travers
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.


Film Credits

  • Director: Gabriel Aghion
  • Script: Gabriel Aghion, Patrick Timsit, Pierre Palmade (dialogue)
  • Cinematographer: Fabio Conversi
  • Cast: Patrick Timsit (Adrien), Fanny Ardant (Evelyne, dite Eva), Richard Berry (Alexandre Agut), Michèle Laroque (Marie), Jacques Gamblin (Adrien Lemoine), Christian Bujeau (Dr. Séverine), Boris Terral (Cyril), Axelle Abbadie (Claire), Facundo Bo (Pépito), Arno Chevrier (Bibiche), Yan Duffas (Fripounet), Dominique Besnehard (Riki), Sacha Briquet (Emilio), Laurent Spielvogel (Francis), Eliane Pine Carringhton (Rambo), Katrine Boorman (Ingrid), Isabelle Ferron (Chantal), Céline Caussimon (L'infirmière), Robert Plagnol (Le curé), Thorsten Feller (One-Night-Stand)
  • Country: France
  • Language: French
  • Support: Color
  • Runtime: 100 min

The best of Indian cinema
sb-img-22
Forget Bollywood, the best of India's cinema is to be found elsewhere, most notably in the extraordinary work of Satyajit Ray.
The best of Japanese cinema
sb-img-21
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.
The best French Films of the 1910s
sb-img-2
In the 1910s, French cinema led the way with a new industry which actively encouraged innovation. From the serials of Louis Feuillade to the first auteur pieces of Abel Gance, this decade is rich in cinematic marvels.
The silent era of French cinema
sb-img-13
Before the advent of sound France was a world leader in cinema. Find out more about this overlooked era.
French cinema during the Nazi Occupation
sb-img-10
Even in the dark days of the Occupation, French cinema continued to impress with its artistry and diversity.
 

Other things to look at


Copyright © filmsdefrance.com 1998-2024
All rights reserved



All content on this page is protected by copyright