Little White Lies

YEAR 2010

DIRECTOR Guillaume Canet

STARRING François Cluzet, Marion Cotillard and Benoît Magimel

WRITER Guillaume Canet

OVERVIEW Every year, Max (Cluzet), a successful restaurant owner, and his wife invite a close group of friends to their beach house to celebrate a birthday and kick-start the holiday. But, this year, before they all leave Paris, their close friend Ludo (Jean Dujardin) is hurt in a serious accident. Friendships are tested.

OPINION  There are 2 of the most brilliant moments in this movie…one a shock and one a big laugh, but apart from that I have to say French comedy doesn’t often do a lot for me, with the exception of Jacque Tati. There are the predictable affairs of the heart…French-style. I felt no compassion for the friend who has the accident ; he is an arrogant arsehole. The restaurant owner is a prize prat. The slapstick is generally a little tired. All in all this heavy- handed comedy with typical French sophistication does not gel for me. Long too. Too long? ?You decide. I have to add Marion Cotillard is luminous and riveting as usual.(3 ½ because of her…otherwise a 3)

RATING YYY1/2