The first hint this is a play within a movie is the coloring of the set: it's too tacky! Then, there is the heavy emoting from most of the principals of this silly farce. Shame on you, Francois Ozon!
The American style of musical comedy is not something that directors from Europe tackle too often. M. Ozon, one of France's best creators, decided to adapt this play for the screen with mixed results when songs were added. M. Ozon probably must have needed time in a sanatorium after directing all these personalities with their different egos and self importance.
Some time ago a friend asked me if I ever had seen a Catherine Deneuve film that was any good. I had to think hard, and frankly, I didn't come out with an answer. This actress is an iceberg on screen. Oh la la! She registers nothing at all, as her facial expressions are the same no matter what film, or plot, or situation.
The best scene in the film is when Fanny Ardant seduces Ms Deneuve into a lesbian encounter on the living room floor. Since we don't have to look at her face, could it have meant Catherine enjoyed the little tumble in the Persian carpet?
What about Fanny Ardant camping as a latter day Gilda? Sorry, Fanny, no one can imitate Rita Hayworth, at least not you. How about Isabelle Huppert's Augustine? She is a mess! The ones that fare better of the whole cast, as far as I'm concerned, are Ludivine Sagnier, Virginie Ledoyen, and the always dignified Danielle Darrieux.
Gratefuly, I borrowed the CD from a friend. I avoided seeing this film in spite of having seen almost all of Francois Ozon's movies, who, by the way, must be forgiven for this little number. Let's not forget he went to do Swimming Pool right after this dud!
The American style of musical comedy is not something that directors from Europe tackle too often. M. Ozon, one of France's best creators, decided to adapt this play for the screen with mixed results when songs were added. M. Ozon probably must have needed time in a sanatorium after directing all these personalities with their different egos and self importance.
Some time ago a friend asked me if I ever had seen a Catherine Deneuve film that was any good. I had to think hard, and frankly, I didn't come out with an answer. This actress is an iceberg on screen. Oh la la! She registers nothing at all, as her facial expressions are the same no matter what film, or plot, or situation.
The best scene in the film is when Fanny Ardant seduces Ms Deneuve into a lesbian encounter on the living room floor. Since we don't have to look at her face, could it have meant Catherine enjoyed the little tumble in the Persian carpet?
What about Fanny Ardant camping as a latter day Gilda? Sorry, Fanny, no one can imitate Rita Hayworth, at least not you. How about Isabelle Huppert's Augustine? She is a mess! The ones that fare better of the whole cast, as far as I'm concerned, are Ludivine Sagnier, Virginie Ledoyen, and the always dignified Danielle Darrieux.
Gratefuly, I borrowed the CD from a friend. I avoided seeing this film in spite of having seen almost all of Francois Ozon's movies, who, by the way, must be forgiven for this little number. Let's not forget he went to do Swimming Pool right after this dud!