Opening Day: 20 July 2006

Synopsis:

It began when I won the Lottery. A big win, millions. Then again, I'd already spotted the girl. Selling herself in Pigalle. She was Italian. She was magnificent. I went in, sat next to her and asked the million-dollar question: "How much do you make?"

She couldn't have been doing badly, a peach like her in Pigalle. But before I was halfway through my proposition, she'd already grabbed her fur coat, and we were out of the door, straight into the world of the night hit me right between the eyes. It's dangerous, the world of the night. Villains round every corner. Guns everywhere. Blood on the floor. And Charly: king of the gangsters, a very bad man. Her man. And he wanted her back...

Movie Review:

The notion of audience reception is frequently talked about in the academic fields of film theory. How audiences interpret films depends on several factors, like cultural background and film knowledge, amongst others. We thought this would be the most appropriate way to review this latest French movie to reach our shores, as it is truly one difficult movie to grasp.

The story sounds innocently simple. A balding and unattractive Francois walks into a brothel one night and makes a deal with a gorgeous woman Daniela. With the money he has just won from a lottery, he will pay her to live with him until the money runs out.

The excitement begins when his Francois’ health problems kick in due to over-exertion. Couple that with the entrance of Daniela’s gangster boyfriend Charly, and you’d have one great drama comedy.

How apt to use the word “drama” to describe this film, because everything in it feels like a theatre drama, from the opening shot of a brothel moodily lit with neon lights, before gradually revealing Francois’ lonely silhouette in a corner.

There is a lot of textual analysis to be done throughout the 95-minute film, that is, if you are in the academic mood. From the camera movements, the mirror reflections, to the placement of objects, everything seems to carry a meaning to it. It is a must to leave all sense of reality at the door.

Even the acting is theatrical. Sex siren Monica Bellucci plays her whore role like a real stage diva, while Bernard Campan balances his character of the loser with just the right amount of endearment and pity. Gerard Depardieu, being the veteran he is, gives an over-the-top performance of the loud gangster boyfriend.

How do all these factors come together in a queer little movie like this? Everything described above can be interpreted differently by different viewers, and that is the wonder of this film written and directed by multiple-award winning Bertrand Blier.

With his latest work, he seems to be exploring the different notions and takes on love, but does not give an obvious answer. He also does not take any stand, clearly distancing the film from its audience. How much more alienating can a movie be, when amusing party sequences, sensual lovemaking scenes and long single-take monologues make up the bulk of the film?

While the more intellectual can spend time discussing what message Blier is trying to deliver with this extraordinarily weird film, the common movie-goer can also find joy in other areas of the movie.

The quietly beautiful cinematography by Francois Catonne only goes to show why the French films remain one of the most gorgeous to look at today. The music used in the movie ranges from piano and saxophone jazz to dramatic soprano operas like Verdi and Tosca. Talk about musical diversity here.

While there are a few comic moments that will make you laugh out loud, do watch out for the spicy performance of Farida Rahouadj, who plays Francois’ neighbour. In a scene that goes down with us as one of the most hilarious in recent memory, gawk and chuckle as Rahouadj talks about and demonstrates the best way of reaching orgasm. Yes, you read that right here.

Of course, for the boys, there’s Bellucci’s beautiful body to ogle at. With a body like that at 41, no wonder she is voted as one of the world’s most beautiful woman. For the girls, we regret to inform that there are no hunks for your pleasure.

This film may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but as the title suggests, it all boils down to how viewers want to enjoy the movie. How much you will love the movie depends on how you are going to love it.

Movie Rating:

(The intellectuals will enjoy the ample textual analysis, while the common movie-goers will enjoy the pure pleasures of this interestingly unique French movie)

Review by John Li