OPENED MAY 30, CERT 15, 103 MINS Adapted from British writer Joseph Connolly's novel, legendary French actor Michel Blanc's fourth film as director is a subtle comedy of manners. In less sedate hands it could've been a breathless farce. But, riddled as it is with absurdly striking cheekbones (the w...
OPENED MAY 30, CERT 15, 103 MINS
Adapted from British writer Joseph Connolly’s novel, legendary French actor Michel Blanc’s fourth film as director is a subtle comedy of manners. In less sedate hands it could’ve been a breathless farce. But, riddled as it is with absurdly striking cheekbones (the women aren’t bad, either), it’s a very stylish, middlebrow soap.
A group of friends holiday together in Normandy. Some can’t afford the hotel, and jolly larks are had as they try to hide their poverty. Jerome is suicidal, Jean-Pierre’s a jealous maniac, and Julie deserts her baby to frolic with Maxime. Elizabeth (Charlotte Rampling) looks broody a lot and then woos a lovestruck teenager.
Blanc adeptly uses the photogenic qualities of the iconic Rampling and Carole Bouquet, the grumpiness of Jacques Dutronc, and the beauty of Clotilde Courau, who all help render a so-so story highly seductive.