Dinner with friends
The
French film industry isn’t exactly internationally renowned
for its comedies; at least not since Jacques Tati stopped making
films. They seem to be far more at home making sophisticated relationship
films and costume dramas the draw raptures from francophiles around
the globe. So in a modest way, Laurent Bouhnik’s new comedy
of errors, The Dinner Guest, seeks to redress the imbalance.
This is the kind of film that could have sprung
from a Noel Coward play (indeed, it started life as a play by
French novelist David Pharao). It features only four main characters,
is largely set in a small apartment and relies heavily on dialogue
for its funnies. But, like a Coward play, there’s actually
more going on here than meets the eye. Under the frothy banter
and the plot improbabilities, there’s a ripple of social
commentary and astute observation.
Our hero – of sorts – is Gérard
(Daniel Auteuil). He’s been unemployed for 3 years; but
scores a break of sorts when he’s offered a job with a manufacturing
company. There’s a catch though, the job involves him going
to Indonesia. When he returns home to tell his wife Colette (Valérie
Lemercier), he finds new neighbour Alexandre (Thierry Lhermitte)
trying to fix a leaking pipe. With Alexandre in earshot, Gérard
explains the new position; but to seal the deal, he’s expected
to have his new boss Pontignac (Hippolyte Girardot) over for dinner.
Their apartment however is a bit daggy, the couple’s taste
in music is dubious and neither of them can cook. Alexandre reveals
that he’s an image consultant, and willing to help out so
that Gérard can get the job. His advice however leads to
chaos – before Pontignac has even arrived.
This
is a light comedy by any stretch of the imagination; so light
in fact it nearly floats off the screen. The action is mainly
verbal, involving a series of misunderstandings and mix-ups. In
the end though, Bouhnik makes a couple of astute points about
French society and its place in the world. These however don't
elevate the film above its modest ambitions.
Featuring three of France's more experienced thespians,
the cast does a good job of keeping everything afloat. Daniel
Auteuil, one of the more versatile actors of any nationality,
is excellent as the often-bewildered Gérard. His foil is
Thierry Lhermitte as the exasperated yet exasperating Alexandre.
Valérie Lemercier seems to have a great time as the rather
ditzy Collette; and her interaction with the two male leads sparks
much of the action.
The Dinner Guest is an amiable if unremarkable
French comedy of social standing and modern manners. While it
doesn't offer any great insights, it's an enjoyable 86 minutes,
and doesn't overstay its welcome (unlike Alexandre). While this
film has its moments, they're not consistent enough to make it
a must-see; unless of course you're a French cinema buff, in which
case, you won't want to miss it.
David Edwards
