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Bookmark this pageFrench Film (2008)
Director: Jackie Oudney
Movie review
From Time Out London
Not a good film by a long stretch, but there’s something so harmless about this debut directorial effort (from a script by Aschlin ‘Scenes of a Sexual Nature’ Ditta) that to pull it apart would be like savaging a child’s first attempt at storywriting. Ditta’s awkward script contrasts the lives of two young, comfortable north London couples – both going through relationship crises – with the musings on l’amour of a French film director, played by Eric Cantona, whom one of the four, a journalist, is charged with interviewing.The film trips merrily through upscale locations and finds its feet after some shaky beginnings as director and writer try hard to justify their odd concept. Cantona’s waffling is mildly amusing; the cast, including the always-genial Anne-Marie Duff, do a fair job; and there are moments of truth to do with deluded relationships. But the attempt to contrast ‘French’ and ‘British’ attitudes is no more than a red herring.
Author: Dave Calhoun
Time Out London Issue 2021 May 14-20, 2008
User reviews of this film
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- Ken Yee said...
- Posted on Jun 30 2009 22:30 Disliked and dismissed by various british critics, much appreciated by three user reviewers, selected winner at Monte Carlo. Viewers obviously have different values in play when films are either examined or visited. It isn't just the eyes of the beholder, perhaps also the specs being worn at the time? Speaking from overseas, I find the film true at various personal levels and true to research in the field of love. Hope to use it to continue thinking about the subject and teaching about the subject.
- Report as inappropriate
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- paulo said...
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Posted on May 17 2009 16:41
A sweet film with enjoyable performances.
Some good laugh out loud moments. - Report as inappropriate
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- Dan Semiotecs said...
- Posted on May 15 2009 14:34 enjoyable and intelligent film - very funny too :-)
- Report as inappropriate
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- Michel said...
- Posted on May 15 2009 09:31 C'est manifique!
- Report as inappropriate
Cast & crew
Director: Jackie Oudney
Cast: Anne-Marie Duff, Eric Cantona, Hugh Bonneville
Genre(s): Comedy
Rated: 15
Duration: 87 mins
UK Release: May 15 2009
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