As part of the Amazon Vine programme I am lucky enough to be able to choose books, movies or products to try and review so was delighted when this Gerard Depardieu filmed turned up among my choices. I have always loved this actor, he has a disarming Gallic sexiness, warmth and charm which is odd because if you look at him carefully, he is overweight, has a squidgy nose and walks around like a shambling wreck. He does, however, have screen presence in abundance and that is something, like style, that is non-acquirable. You've either got it or you ain't.
I have watched quite a few of his films, my favourite being Cyrano de Bergerac, which is superb and so I 
was looking forward to settling down and watching this one. It's the kind of film where you need to take time and allow it to take you over with its quiet flow and to avoid interruptions if possible.
Gerard D plays The Singer, Alain Moreau, a middle aged, second rate chanteuse, who sings in nightclubs, discos, ladies tea parties, weddings. His songs are romantic and he believes in love and bringing lovers together no matter their age or circumstance. One night he sees Marion in the audience, she has been brought along by a friend of Alain, and the attraction is immediate. She is years younger than him and a damaged person, in love with a man who died, then a broken marriage and left with a small son to take care of. She is unwilling to trust Alain who she dubs The Ladies Man and over the two hours plus of this movie, we see how she gradually moves towards him, unsure of her feelings while he, for the first time in his life, is in love but has to wait on events.
Alain gets the chance to perform at a large, prestigious venue, an opportunity he has waited for all his life, but is it something that at the stage of his career he really wants? Made fragile and uncertain by his seemingly unrequited love for Marion the tensions grows and I found by this stage, I was increasingly nervous myself. I will say no more as for anyone who wants to see this film the ending should not be revealed as it is literally not till the last shot that we found out what is going to happen with Alain and Marion.
I just loved this movie. If you are looking for a sassy movie or expecting a chick flick, then you will be disappointed. This is a heartbreaking, thoughtful comedy, yes it is funny and the credits at the end should be watched as they really made me laugh but oh the sight of Gerard sitting in a cafe in the early morning, with his croissant, espresso and cigarette is just so darned FRENCH and wonderful.
If you have a chance to see it, do
Magnifique.
