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Priceless (2006)

Director: Pierre Salvadori

Time Out rating

Average user rating

5 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out London

This French fluff plays out to the rarefied background of upscale coastal resorts and has Audrey Tautou (below) as Irène, a likeable golddigger – the first of this film’s many fantasies – who falls for the charms of barman Jean, played by stand-up comic Gad Elmaleh, while on holiday with her pensionable fiancé. The twist is that Irène doesn’t know that Jean is just a plain old barman and so the poor lamb has to keep up with her warped desire to be wined, dined, clothed and housed by the super-rich…

Needless to say, Pierre Salvadori’s film doesn’t touch on the ickier aspects of the culture that it mines for gentle, screwball laughs – the sexual favours implicit in a gift of jewellery or a free meal from a wrinkly. Salvadori takes us on a easy ride through hotel suites, restaurants and parties at villas and doesn’t dare vilify anyone involved.

The biggest mystery, though, is what Jean sees in Irène to make him act like such a slavish no-hoper? She’s an unredeemable character and Salvadori shows us nothing to make us think otherwise.

Author: Dave Calhoun

Time Out London Issue 1973 June 10-18, 2008

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User reviews of this film

Wevin said...

Posted on Oct 18 2009 22:33 As is so often the case, I find myself agreeing with the Timeout reviewer and despairing at the user comments. The film is glossy and occasionally amusing but entirely without soul. It is no more a love story than the one between Archie and Janine in Eastenders. See Dirty Rotten Scoundrels for an infinitely better take on the subject matter.

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Ronnie H said...

Posted on Aug 18 2009 15:20 If the reviewer found it a mystery what the male character saw in the Audrey Tatou characater he needs help. I dont usually go for whimsy but this film was utterly charming

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Miss E said...

Posted on Jul 03 2008 08:41 I loved this charming film, very much a nod towards Breakfast at Tiffanys. Charming, sweet and humourous - i am still thinking about it a week later, which hasn't happened for a long time. A must see.

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Madison said...

Posted on Jun 29 2008 19:52 This was a gorgeous film. Audrey Tatou looks perfectly stunning througout. There is a beautiful still quality to Gad Elmaleh's performance and the moment when he gives his last coin to gaze at Irene for just 10 more seconds had me blubbing. Theres also a few laugh out loud lines. If you dont enjoy this movie you cannot ever have been in love. Great film.

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Mr Blood said...

Posted on Jun 28 2008 23:45 She is an eyeful and fills the designer clothes most adequately. Film is a homage to product placement and Tautou's natural beauty. Ignored the film and soaked her in.

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