And Now Ladies & Gentlemen (2002) User Reviews

Delightful Romance

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 30 September 2005]

The smart and bold thief of jewelries Valentin Valentin (Jeremy Irons) decides to leave his mate and travel around the world for one hundred days in a sailing boat. In the coast of Morocco, he has an amnesia problem and comes onshore looking for a doctor. Meanwhile, the piano-bar singer Jane Lester (Patricia Kaas) is brokenhearted when her lover leaves her to stay with her beast friend and decides to accept a job in Morocco to forget the past. An incident in the hotel where they are lodged joins them and they fell attracted for each other.

"And Now…Ladies and Gentlemen…" is a delightful romance, with many attractions: the story is very charming; the cinematography is beautiful; the chemistry between the elegant Jeremy Irons and the lovely Patricia Kaas is stunning; and the voice of the gorgeous Patricia Kaas is awesome. This singer is completely unknown in Brazil, and I was surprised and touched hearing such beautiful interpretation of wonderful songs. Patricia Kaas herself alone makes this movie very worthwhile. It is difficult to assimilate Claudia Cardinale old, but she has a great performance in the role of an unfaithful countess. Claude Lelouch is amazing as usual, making a perfect combination of an attractive story with the magnificent interpretation of this wonderful Patricia Kaas. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Amantes & Infiéis" ("Lovers & Unfaithful")

Ravishing eyes ravishing music

[dlkumler-2 · 7/10 · 22 February 2005]

Check this out on Sundance; it's all about the eyes and the music. Irons and Kass, speak with their eyes and Lelouch gets it all. Kass's voice and eyes take "lounge singing" to a whole new and great place. The non-lineal mix of fantasy and reality worked for me, as did the interweaving of Kass's songs and the Moroccan scene. As an American I enjoyed the fact that the actors spoke their lines in whatever language worked: the Italians spoke Italian among themselves, French to Moroccans, the Moroccans Arabic and French, & of course, Jeremy's French was more than passable. Were that I were as comfortable in multiple languages--it says we can all be hospitable and get beyond what we were born with.

An unusual film that has stayed with me in a dreamy languid way

[mrncat · 7/10 · 16 February 2005]

I saw this on the Sundance Channel recently and its oddness kept me interested. Jeremy Irons is quite good as is the French lead actress who I am not familiar with and whose singing talent is jazzy and soulful. I think there is a very "French" ambiance to this film, although I'm not sure really what I mean when I say this. The movie takes its time in terms of hooking up the two lead characters...by the time they do meet each other (albeit in kind of a far fetched way perhaps) the audience knows a lot about each of them and I, for one, had grown to like them and was glad to see them meet up. I also liked the fact that there is a bit of mystery thrown into the storyline in the midst of them meeting. There is also a strong emotional undercurrent in this film of sadness. So if you are a Jeremy Irons fan or if you just want to see a decent contemporary story about people maneuvering middle life while still searching for themselves and love, this film is possibly worth your time.

Patricia Kaas' jazz vocals are the glue of this artistic work that alone are worth the price of admission!

[gironwood · 8 June 2004]

And Now Ladies and Gentlemen captures from the start--artistic, well- written, well-directed, and underscored with the rich, languid jazz of Patricia Kaas who will surely become more accessible to Americans with this film.

The love story is first degree, without Hollywood schmaltz. Starting with Jeremy Irons delicious tricks of thievery, segueing to Patricia Kaas's nightclub duet and solos, the director moves us seamlessly from one character to the other. We discover them--who they are, what they suffer, and how they will meet and connect.

The director's brilliant use of Kaas's vocals to effortlessly glues these vignettes together becomes the film's best asset, beginning with them far apart, gradually moving these fascinating creatures closer and closer, until we can taste the sand and feel the parched, thirsty souls. Destiny builds from a dream to filmy reality. Irresistible. Intimate. Broad and beautiful.

The score haunts you for weeks. A must see--must own. We want the soundtrack!

Another Man and Another Woman 36 Years Later

[Galina_movie_fan · 6/10 · 16 October 2006]

Claude Lelouch's "And Now... Ladies and Gentlemen" ... (2002) tries to be a lot of things. It has the elements of romance, thriller, and drama and much more. It could be called "Another Man and Another Woman 36 years later" and it takes us to London, Paris, and Morocco. A successful and creative jewel thief Valentin (Jeremy Irons) sails alone around the world. The fate brings him to Morocco where he meets a night singer Jean (Patricia Kaas) who hopes to escape from the heartache of the failed affair. They both suffer from blackouts and amnesia that may be caused by brain tumors - of course, they were meant to meet. They will seek the way to save their lives and then change them.

The movie is beautiful to look at, and the songs that Patricia Kaas sings are wonderful, the best asset of the movie. I read that Kaas's album "Piano Bar", a hand-picked collection of the popular love songs inspired Lelouch to make this movie where Kaas debuted as an actress. I've heard her singing before and I like her a lot. I also think that her screen debut was successful. Her songs kept the movie together because there were too many stories intermingling and even though they were all interesting and compelling, it was not just easy to keep track of all them.

There was one bitter-sweet moment when I realized that the actress who played a countess in Morocco's hotel and whose jewels were stolen in a very manner Valentin would do, was Claudia Cardinale, yes, The Claudia Cardinale. She is still a beautiful woman but the first thought that came to my mind was, "What does time do to all of us?"

"And Now... Ladies and Gentlemen" was fun while it lasted. I don't think I'll want to see it again any time soon but I am going to order Patricia Kaas's CD and I'll be listening to it often.

This movie is worth watching for the terrific soundtrack and the story 'aint bad'.

[upanzau · 7/10 · 15 July 2006]

Plenty of food for thought and honey for the music heart'n'soul. The story of this weary master thief and a disillusioned (with love)jazz singer meeting,finding common ground and falling 'for each other' is age old. However, their common ground is quite unusual and a bit of a stretch (but hey...it's a story). Where they meet and how the story plays out, is an unexpected and interesting twist. To my mind, the acting and Morrocan setting are great. Jeremy Irons is his usual cool and collected self and the lead actress suits the part beautifully...and can she sing!! The soundtrack, to my mind (and heart) definitely steals the show. - I love blues/jazz and I found this sound track hauntingly, thought provokingly absorbing.

To charm a thief

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 20 July 2019]

My main reason for seeing 'And Now Ladies and Gentlemen' was Jeremy Irons, he has always been a great and seldom less than watchable actor, responsible for a lot of good to outstanding performances in some fine work. Even in lesser projects, and his career has been very hit and miss since 'Lolita', he was nearly always one of the redeeming qualities with one indefensible exception that won't be named.

Having heard mixed reviews on 'And Now Ladies and Gentlemen', despite wanting to see it (other attractions being Morocco, the French language which is such a beautiful one and Claude Lelouch) part of me was uncertain as to how it would turn out. Watching it for myself, 'And Now Ladies and Gentlemen' may be a flawed film but on the most part personally found myself really enjoying it and the things that attracted me in seeing it in the first place did not disappoint. Can see why it may not work for everybody, but it is not hard at all to see what value a fair share of people have seen in it.

'And Now Ladies and Gentlemen' as said has its drawbacks. It could have done with less subplots, a few of which unnecessary and complicate the storytelling at times. There could have been less characters too, enough of them bring fun and charm to the film but not all of them are particularly interesting and don't add much.

The pace meanders at times later on in the odd uneventful stretch, but most of the time actually the pace wasn't an issue for me.

Conversely, 'And Now Ladies and Gentlemen' is a treat to look at. The photography and gorgeous scenery and vistas make for some gorgeous images that won't be forgotten in a hurry. Absolutely loved the music too, lots of seductive and ethereal (others rousing) jazz numbers beautifully performed by the film's leading lady Patricia Kaas. Not only is it great music on its own, and so appealing to listen to, it proves to be important to the story and moves it forward, have not seen in a while a film to excel so well in doing that.

Regarding the script, it never was too heavy and it didn't take itself too seriously while also never being too silly. The humour put a smile on my face (much coming from Irons), parts left me moved without sinking too much into bathos, there is bagsful of charm throughout and felt my heart melting at the immensely charming romantic chemistry. Valentin's thief trickery is just delicious. Lelouch doesn't always achieve momentum in the story, but his direction of the actors and their interaction fares much better and even more so how he made the photography and scenery have the impact they do have without being self-indulgent. The pace was imperfect but was fine generally.

Good performances here too. Claudia Cardinale stands out of the supporting cast. Kaas is immensely charming, lovely to watch and she sings the songs absolutely beautifully and it is a voice that is not hard to recognise straightaway. She has lovely chemistry with a relatively against type Irons, who had a not so easy picnic making a prepostrous role on paper plausible on screen but he does that remarkably well and has great fun with it.

In summary, a nice film. 7/10

Well..

[Thorsten-Krings · 4/10 · 28 July 2009]

Well...I like Patricia Kaas. She is a beautiful lady and an extremely gifted and versatile singer. Her acting in this film is more than competent and from my point of view about the only redeeming feauture of this film. She very gently captures the essence of the lonely singer with a very serious helath problem. However what I tremendously dislike about the film is the shameless product placement for a well known French chain of hotels. The other thing is that the story seems to meander for way to long without really deciding what the film is about and what it wants to be. On a positive note you may argue that the film is not predictable but you could also say it's plainly boring because of the lack of cohesion. There are some nice shots in the film bujt you can't help thinking that all the parts just don't add up to anything at all. It really is a pity bevcause Kaas really shines in this film.

Surprise, Surprise -- A Brilliant Movie and I walked in without a clue!

[arlened324 · 10/10 · 31 August 2003]

I was sure Claude Lelouch was 80 or 81. After all, hadn't it been about 40 years since I saw, "A Man and a Woman"? But I didn't know that Mr. Lelouch began as a child director!

"And Now - Ladies and Gentlemen" is an exciting, engrossing, intelligent, funny, cynical and symbolically thought-provoking film by a writer/director who I'm still sure is over 80 but is allowed to deduct several years due to the nature of the business.

Mr. Lelouch uses music to move the action forward. to establish time and place and (no surprise at all) to elicit emotion and, not coincidentally, to entertain. And the acting - brilliant Jeremy Irons captures each and every nuance of his demanding role. The film is worth it if you only attend to see his performance.

I can't guarantee you'll walk out singing. As a matter of fact, I doubt it. I can't even guarantee you'll enjoy the film. But I can guarantee you will be talking about what it all meant long after the New Year has dawned.

This takes me back to my childhood, when the likes of "A Man and A Woman," "Hiroshima Mon Amour," "Last Year at Marienbad," "Jules et Jim," and a host of other fine european films were part and parcel of the "film-going" experience -- where you were not only entertained but fiercely challenged to think about what you thought you had just seen!

My plea, my suggestion to you is see this film and make up your own mind. Never, ever, let anyone make up your mind for you. Experience the power of movies for yourself, whenever you can.

A Hollywood formated Lelouch... give me more!

[csagne · 7/10 · 9 September 2007]

The film is about a man and a woman who are losing their memory after an emotional trauma. You will discover this in your own time, the important is Claude Lelouch is a celebrated French director but unfortunately in the US he is part of the Indie crowd, "artistic French movie, get drunk before watching", which is a most unfair statement.

Because his films are too often shot in French, he is blocked by the invisible subtitle wall for 90% of US audiences. With "And now... Ladies and Gentlemen" he directs a very good Jeremy Irons and a very talented Patricia Kaas, in English s'il vous plait.

The basics of Lelouch style (broken time line and multiple threads) are there, but in a softer way than in most of his films, which makes this film a very nice "My First Lelouch" for audiences who are looking for more talented scripts and emotion than your prepacked Hollywood brew. Patricia Kaas delivers a performance in acting and singing (the soundtrack is her album "Piano Bar", a tribute to Lounge music).

Beautifully boring

[kvits · 4/10 · 15 October 2005]

I do not see what is the whole deal about this movie. Patricia Kaas sings, yes, and that makes the film charming, but singing is not enough. I mean, if you want to get all benefits of this one, go buy Patricia's CD and enjoy! The plot is simple (if to omit the "dreams"); the main characters seem to love each other instantly, and as well instantly forget their other acquaintances. Relationships appear almost "mandatory", and the little "detective story" thrown in just makes things worse. What at first appeared to be a perfect movie ending, is first screwed up and then comes out as just a dream. I measure movies by how well I would remember them, and for this one, I already started to forget the details.

A beautiful film, that grapples with deep issues with grace and humor

[david-3134 · 9/10 · 14 May 2006]

I enjoyed this film both for it beautiful cinematography and dialog; but also for the way it attempts to deal with the deep issues of conscience, redemption, love, and reality. Following 2 people on personal journeys, brought together by events to cure a real physical problem each has. Ultimately realizing that with or without a cure reality for each is only what their own perceptions create. The very nature of perception and reality is opened up, in a delightfully playful and twisting drama.

As with most (but not all) Lelouch films, well worth watching and taking in at the next level.

Not LeLouch's best but still worth it

[ducdebrabant · 7/10 · 22 May 2005]

It's just too bad that LeLouch is still best known in the USA for A Man and a Woman, because he's made so many fascinating films barely known in the English speaking world. This film embodies his ongoing fascination with narrative, with contorting plot strands and time and audience expectations in delightfully clever and tricky ways. (As an apostle of the pure joy of gaming a story, he seems to be a disciple of Sascha Guitry.) But that works best in the first part of the movie, when we're being introduced to the two main characters via a marvelous series of interwoven scenes in fragmented time. When the two amnesiacs are brought together in Fez, we suddenly have a much more conventional film about a robbery which may or may not have been committed by Irons, who -- if he committed it -- may or may not remember it. A subplot about a boxer and his wife is awkwardly inserted in this part of the film. It's a long movie, and feels long, but if only for the first hour or so it should be seen -- and the more conventional parts of the movie are certainly not without their charms. The locations are beautifully photographed and the leads are charismatic. But try and catch And Now My Love, or Edith and Marcel, or La Belle Histoire or Viva la vie! for better sustained and more successful examples of LeLouch's inimitable stamp. Thierry Lhermitte and Claudia Cardinale are nice to have on hand, but their star quality is not really necessary for the parts they're given.

what the heck was this?

[savantelle · 3/10 · 31 October 2002]

I saw this film while I was in France and I must say that it confused me. It is a story of a jewel thief and a young singer who each end up in Morocco at the same time, run into one another and form a connection. Simple enough? Well, the problem is that this is the sort of film that has ambiguity in both chronology (the film is not played entirely in order) and in reality (did what i just saw really happen, or was it only a dream?). Given those parameters, as well as the film being bilingual, it was really hard to follow, and I was not sure as to what happened at the end. I imagine some deep artsy types could understand this film better than I could, and it may require more than one viewing to understand.

Too slow

[dororthy · 29 May 2003]

Warning: if you expect this film to be a typical Hollywoodian action movie, then you need to pick another film. And now...Ladies and Gentlemen is in many ways quintessentially French, which means it is character-driven and subtle. However, it inherits many of the typical French flaws: the artsy feel of depth (the movie is meant to make you doubt the story as it is recounted by two people, neither of which can trust their memories, and therefore confuse dream-images and reality. It gets pretty annoying, especially at the end: you feel that the director could not be bothered to make a choice as to what happens to his characters), the slowness (oh my god, that was just too much for me. I know that there is no need for some frantic action, but did Lelouch really need to show us precisely why we need action in movies? After endless scenes in which nothing significant happen you feel ready to scream). Although the leads give good performances, and the beginning is Okay, I would not recommend this movie, if only because the ending is too frustrating (I absolutely hate the kind of movie that falsely tries to be ambiguous by letting the viewer write the ending. It sounds more like laziness than ambuguity to me).

The thief with amnesia

[jotix100 · 7/10 · 6 February 2005]

Claude Lelouche made some interesting films in the early part of his career as a film director. He has a wonderful eye for surrounding his work with interesting locales, as he has done in "And Now Ladies and Gentlemen..." Mr. Lelouche takes us first to Paris, then to the South of France. Finally he brings us to Essaouira, in the Atlantic Coast of Morocco and then we end up in Fez, "The Mysterious".

It's obvious from the start we realize who the thief is. It makes one wonder how easy it's for a thief to steal jewelry from the chic and tony Bulgari. They should be careful to employ the right people to protect their stores around the world.

It also doesn't help either that we have no indication Valentin is suffering from amnesia until we see him during his ocean cruise when he's sleeping on the floor of his boat. Mr. Lelouche brings Valentin in contact with the fragile Jane, the jazz singer, suffering from some sort of amnesia that makes her forget the lyrics of the songs. It makes us wonder how will they ever remember they love one another?

The film is stunningly photographed. Also, the songs, as interpreted by Patricia Kass, an excellent singer, do more to enhance the film than the director probably intended. Jeremy Irons is a good actor, but he has nothing to show for it with the lame screen play he's been given to act.

While the film is not horrible, it feels empty at its core.

Self-Indulgent Direction, Flimsy Plot, Hammy Acting - appeals to the pseudo-intellectual, Francophile set

[lycosferos · 3/10 · 29 April 2008]

I kept waiting for this film to improve, but, alack, this is the worst kind of escapist movie: a spun-sugar confection that sinks under the weight of its own ponderous self-importance. The pace stumbles on like a legionnaire stranded in the Sahara. The absence of good dialogue leaves the appealing stars with little to do other than look good in white linen. Irons plays yet another moneyed charmer who's had a touch of the sun. Kaas is a pleasing singer but not much of an actress. Luckily, the script does not often call on her to emote away from the jazz club microphone. All the enviably relaxed, pretty, unnecessary characters take turns masticating the scenery with an air of weary sophistication. The whole exercise comes across like an interminably long Ralph Lauren ad.

If you're past forty and believe Francophilia is the key to sophistication, you may well mistake this piece of cardboard for a baguette. Well, if you liked this movie you probably felt smart for appreciating Godard's leaden Éloge de l'amour, and you may even have sat through Le Divorce without cringing.

Thumbs Up

[garageplanet · 10/10 · 3 June 2002]

the acting by the cast in "and now... ladies and gentlemen" - both by renowned actors like Jeremy Irons as well as others novice to this Art, like Patricia Kaas- is beautiful, very deeply felt. I was moved by the expression in these two actor's eyes. But one mustn't consider and rate acting by itself in Lelouch movies, as it is the unity of all skills and feelings that make his work so profound. The acting, directing, photography, music... they make up a story, a story that could be yours, mine, anyone's story. That's why it always hits home.

In my opinion, this movie deserves a second viewing, as it is filled with allusions, metaphors, symbols of all kinds and incredible photographic beauty

Go see it-

Stink Bomb

[sjohneddy · 1/10 · 1 September 2003]

I didn't hate this movie as much as some on my all time black list, but I consider it a total wast of film. Jeremy Irons, Iron Jeremy, Ron Jeremy. Think about it. Scene one is very good, all the rest are crap.

beautiful film in every respect

[garageplanet · 10/10 · 2 June 2002]

people either hate or love his work. I belong to the latter category. His films always evoke the fantastic journey, that of ordinary human beings that are extraordinary in so many ways- we are all actors on this stage we call life.

Lelouch reminds us that even when we hit rock bottom, the best in us can emerge. In a very Borgian style, each step we make is determinant and can take us on a different path... In his films, he always chooses faith and redemption; humankind is overall good and that regardless of the harm we can inflict upon ourselves or upon others.

He films in the same way he expresses himself... with sincerity, great curiosity and a keen sense of beauty. This film will take you to Morocco and the intertwining streets of the medina, to the desert, or to a sailing competition in Fécamp (all very powerful symbols of destiny).

In his films, even small things count. Like the Microcosmos to the Macrocosmos, all small things are great, all greatness is made up of small things. this is beauty, this is Art. THANK YOU Monsieur Lelouch

from strasbourg, garageplanet

Disappointing...

[laurel21000 · 3/10 · 10 February 2008]

This is the type of film that makes you question your past admiration for a particular director before you stop and remind yourself that there are very few people whose body of work doesn't contain a few clunkers.

The casting in Lelouch's films is of utmost importance because he puts the viewer into such intimacy with the characters. The actors have to bring real screen magic to live up to the intensity. Otherwise it is just hollow.

None of the actors in this film had any of that screen magic, in my opinion.

Jeremy Irons and Patricia Kaas fell far short as the leads. Irons is a talented actor but he was wrong for this part. Lovable rogue didn't suit his strengths. His brand of charm also hit a false note for me here. Iron's persona is too decadence-tinged to fit into a Lelouch love story.

Although I would hesitate to pass up any opportunity to hear an English accent, I also think an American actor would have worked better in this role. So many of the songs that Kaas sings are so closely identified with the Americanness of the particular lyricist that it seemed kind of discordant to then have Jeremy Irons playing the love interest -- even though logically it really didn't matter. It still screwed up the flow of the movie somehow. At least for me.

Of course, it would have had to have been the right American. I think George Clooney would have been great in the part. And he would have brought the screen magic in spades. Brad Pitt could also have done a really good job delivering his particular combination of charming and edgy.

I was also very disappointed with Patricia Kaas. In reading about her, I've learned that she has a hugely successful career as a singer and many fans, so what do I know, but I found her screen presence as a singer very boring. She was actually a much better actress in her speaking scenes than she was a singer in those scenes in which she had to interpret and sell a song. Nothing she sang moved me. She was pleasant but bland.

In contrast, someone like Kate Hudson, who is not a professional singer and has only voice-coach French still would have handled this part a million times better. Not to mention all that stunning French talent out there that could have been tapped into. It was wrenching watching Patricia Kaas take up screen space when there are so many charismatic French actresses who could have been cast instead.

The music was so important in this film, it could not really work without the music working. And since Kaas delivered so poorly in this respect, the movie never really had a chance.

Lelouch sealed the fate of this movie when he cast Patricia Kaas. JMO.

I wept...

[=G= · 8/10 · 16 January 2004]

...and I don't know why. "And Now Ladies and Gentlemen" isn't so much the light drama it appears to be as it is a rich, ebullient, zesty feast of film fare for the viewer. Yes, there's a story in which Iron's plays an amnesiac con-man who encounters a beautiful jazz singer with a similar health problem. But, however interesting the story is, it's just the glue which binds together a colorful potpourri of film fare from jazz ballads which flow like honey to cute/clever con schemes to ocean voyages to exotic locations to variegation of cultures/languages to beautiful/handsome visages to...etc. Whether intended or not, this film is a wonderful celebration of life to be enjoyed, not analyzed. (B+)

Thank God for Claude Lelouch

[ph0hunter · 8/10 · 30 August 2003]

Thank you, Claude Lelouch, for such a beautiful movie! I am still thinking about it days after seeing it. Musical, suspenseful, poignant, and ever romantic, it has something for everyone, including wonderful work by Jeremy Irons and Patricia Kaas, with a welcome Claudia Cardinale. If you're tired of chases, explosions, crash and burn stories with no story or emotion, check out this movie. It's refreshingly adult. Highly recommend for people who like to think and be entertained at the same time.

And now...Ladies & Gentlemen

[frisouille27 · 10/10 · 28 October 2005]

I love this movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Jeremy Irons & Patricia Kaas are wonderful!!!the story is really beautiful,2people who have the same "illness",they meet,and it's the beginning of love!!the sets and the music are wonderful!And I love when Jeremy Irons speak french,with his English accent,he's so beautiful!!He is a perfect gentlemen,he has "class",an elegance typically English!the apparition of Jean-Marie Bigard in a doctor is funny!!!This film is excellent,and I want to congratulate Claude Lelouch for the production,his films are still great!!especially when Jeremy Irons is in the cast!!and I love when Patricia Kaas sing in the film,I really like her voice!It make something romantic....

stupendous

[Rogue-32 · 9/10 · 4 August 2003]

If you are in the market for a thoroughly original film - an all-engulfing mind-blowing experience that will enthrall you from the (stunning and hilarious) opening sequence and take you on a dazzling cinematic journey the likes of which you have never taken before (and quite possibly might never take again), get yourself to one of the 3 theatres in Los Angeles that is currently playing "And Now...Ladies and Gentlemen" and settle in for an exquisitely sublime treat.

Jeremy-incapable-of-giving-a-less-than-brilliant-performance-Irons is magnificently in his element here as jewel thief extraordinaire Valentin Valentin, and Patricia Kaas, making a thrilling movie debut, is a complete revelation as singer Jane Lester. They both need something in their lives that they're not finding, until they find each other, in Claude Lelouch's masterfully written and directed story of regret, desire and ultimate redemption. This is possibly Irons' best performance of his career thus far, worthy of another Oscar nomination at the very least.