My Best Friend
Patrice Leconte's latest film, My Best Friend, is charming and well done. The story focuses on an unlikable antiques dealer named Francois (Daniel Auteuil). While at an auction with his business partner Catherine (Julie Gaset) Francois bids on a vase that was created in honor of friendship. He wins the vase but another bidder is willing to buy it from him. Francois has no interest in selling it. Catherine decides to put Francois to the test. She bets him the vase that he has no friends - not even one best friend. And we know that is true. There is no one that he can rely on and even is daughter Louise (Julie Durand) isn't very fond of him.
But Francois insists that he has a best friend and will prove that he does in the given time of the bet. While trying to look up old friends and trying to find out about friendship Francois meets a taxi driver named Bruno (Dany Boon). Bruno is a very likable guy and he is a wiz with facts. His dream is to be on a television show where he can show off his knowledge. The only problem is that he gets nervous when he is put on the spot. Francois and Bruno start to hit it off and Francois is positive that his problem is solved. I won't say more about the plot. You will have to see the film for yourself.
I thoroughly enjoyed this film but there was one segment that I thought could have been shorter. The acting was very good. Auteuil is always terrific but the great find here is Boon. He added much of the emotional thrust of the film. Bruno is a sensitive man who has been hurt in the past. The plot isn't that complicated and you pretty much guess what happens. But it is also very touching. This is not Leconte's best work (see Man on the Train, Intimate Strangers and The Widow of St. Pierre among others) but it is a really lovely film. And it does bring up a subject that is usually ignored in most film - friendship. Having a true friend is something special. But it is also a responsibility and you can't take the other person for granted. So do yourself a favor and see this charming film. I am quite certain that you will be happy that you did.
But Francois insists that he has a best friend and will prove that he does in the given time of the bet. While trying to look up old friends and trying to find out about friendship Francois meets a taxi driver named Bruno (Dany Boon). Bruno is a very likable guy and he is a wiz with facts. His dream is to be on a television show where he can show off his knowledge. The only problem is that he gets nervous when he is put on the spot. Francois and Bruno start to hit it off and Francois is positive that his problem is solved. I won't say more about the plot. You will have to see the film for yourself.
I thoroughly enjoyed this film but there was one segment that I thought could have been shorter. The acting was very good. Auteuil is always terrific but the great find here is Boon. He added much of the emotional thrust of the film. Bruno is a sensitive man who has been hurt in the past. The plot isn't that complicated and you pretty much guess what happens. But it is also very touching. This is not Leconte's best work (see Man on the Train, Intimate Strangers and The Widow of St. Pierre among others) but it is a really lovely film. And it does bring up a subject that is usually ignored in most film - friendship. Having a true friend is something special. But it is also a responsibility and you can't take the other person for granted. So do yourself a favor and see this charming film. I am quite certain that you will be happy that you did.
posted by Film Fanatic | 7:13 PM
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