This article first appeared in NST on May 22, 2007 under the title Parlez-vous Français?
The French Film Festival that will run until June offers a bouquet of renowned films for your enjoyment. Seven critically-acclaimed and award-winning French films will be screened during the French Film Festival 2007 from Thursday to June 3 in the Klang Valley (GSC Mid Valley, Kuala Lumpur and GSC 1 Utama, Petaling Jaya) and from June 7 to June 13 in Penang (GSC Gurney Plaza).
From a biopic about the life and times of a famous French singer Edith Piaf and a heartwarming love story, to an engaging whodunnit thriller and a cross-cultural comedy of errors, the event is set to enthral movie lovers.
Tickets for the festival will be at normal price, including GSC’s special Wednesday rates. They are available from the box office or via online reservations (www.gsc.com.my). Check out the website or your local newspapers for the movie listings.
Meanwhile, below is a list of movies and synopses.
La Môme (La Vie En Rose)
The movie chronicles the life of France’s most celebrated singer, Edith Piaf. Starring Marion Cotillard, Gérard Depardieu and Clotilde Courau, it was selected as the opening film for the Berlin Film Festival earlier this year.
Hors de Prix (Priceless)
In this comedy, Irène is under the impression that Jean, a timid waiter at a chic hotel, is a millionaire. When she discovers who he really is, she immediately ditches him. But Jean, in love, sets out in pursuit of her and finds her on the popular resort Côte d’Azur.
The movie stars Audrey Tautou, Gad Elmaleh, Marie-Christine Adam, Vernon Dobtcheff.
Mon Meilleur Ami (My Best Friend)
An art dealer takes a bet: Find a best friend in 10 days. He throws himself into a frenetic series of auditions, to finally set his heart on a voluble and friendly cab driver. The comedy stars Daniel Auteuil, Dany Boon, Julie Gayet and Julie Durand.
La Science des Rêves (The Science of Sleep)
In this romantic comedy, we are taken into the world of Stéphane Miroux, a man with a vivid imagination. Working in a printing firm that makes calendars in Paris, he falls in love with his neighbour Stephanie. The movie stars Spanish heartthrob Gael Garcia Bernal, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Alain Chabat and Miou-Miou.
Mon Petit Doigt M’a Dit (By the Pricking of My Thumbs)
Investigative duo Prudence and Bélisaire Beresford embark on a journey to seek answers to the mystery behind a series of mysterious events that take place in a village. Based on a book by Agatha Christie, this drama/murder mystery is the last in a series of four adventures of the duo. Starring Catherine Frot, André Dussollier, Geneviève Bujold and Laurent Terzieff.
Fauteuils d’Orchestre (Avenue Montaigne)
Set in the Parisian neighbourhood where Café des Théâtres is located, the comedy is intertwined stories of a popular but frustrated TV actress, Catherine; an exceptionally gifted but overbooked pianist, Jean-François; a rich antique collector Jacques; and a naïve waitress with big career dreams, Jessica. It stars Cécile France (de), Valérie Lemercier, Albert Dupontel and Laura Morante.
Je Vous Trouve Très Beau (You Are So Beautiful)
After the death of his wife, farmer Aymé decides to find a new wife to help in handling the farm work. He seeks help from a marriage bureau and is sent to Romania, where numerous women are willing to get married to foreigners so they can leave their hardships behind. The comedy stars Michel Blanc, Medeea Marinescu and Wladimir Yordanoff.
