En attendant Bojangles

Ok, the first twenty minutes or so of this movie did not totally grab me but I was happy to sit there and see how it panned out and I'm glad that I did - a wonderfully made and acted movie with, I would admit, a few thin patches but the final 30 or so minutes were riveting. The acting by all the cast was remarkable but in particular Virginie Efira who I hope to see more of (yes, I know that she showed us her all in the nude sequence !). A quirky tragi-comedy enjoyable in every respect. How anyone could be totally negative about this movie is beyond me but of course each to their own.

En attendant Bojangles, the book as well as the film, is in my point of view a masterpiece, and yes, nothing less! The film made a particular impression on me, I came out of it completely overwhelmed. The music, the settings, the actors: everything is there to poetize Olivier Bourdeaut's novel. Maybe I didn't have enough imagination when I read the book? Taking us from laughter to tears without warning, En Attendant Bojangles portrays two lovers, Camille (Virginie Effira) and George (Romain Duris), who laugh at norms and preconceived ideas. Coloured by this "Insoutenable légèreté de l'être", this film explains the importance of preserving innocence, joy, and of always continuing to dance in a world that is far too serious and responsible. If the fantasy and imagination of Georges is beautiful and poetic, it seems that he fights against his reason for love so as to never disappoint his Camille. Yet, the two lovers are caught up with reality as Camille gradually sinks into madness. Maybe there are some lengths, especially during the scenes in the middle of the film in the psychiatric hospital? Maybe some of Camille's madness episodes are a bit exaggerated ? Or maybe it was just not what I wanted to see? In any case, all this will never change my opinion on this film which is the highlight of my year!

We start at a swanky party where "Georges" (Romain Duris) is working his way around the guests regaling them with some tales that wouldn't have looked out of place in "Bedtime Story" (1964). Fearing that he's about to be rumbled, he tries for an hasty exit and that is when he encounters "Camille" (Virginia Efira) who is amidst some sort of solo dancing performance that captivates him. Romance blossoms, "Gary" (Solan Machado Graner) is born and the three embark on their lively and frenetic lives together. Up until now, this film is an unremarkable and rather bitty, episodic, comedy that sails very close to the winds of annoyance. Now, though, as the story has advanced a few years, it becomes a far more interesting and poignant tale as it is clear that "Camille" is losing the plot. She is prone to irrational outbursts, to violence and this is worrying her family and her friends. Help is sought and acquired but father and son cannot live without their girl and so concoct a plan to rescue her and abscond to a beautiful villa by the sea where they can all live happily ever after. It takes a brave storyteller to try and make a dark comedy from the subject of mental illness, and by combining a solid effort from Duris, a creative and engaging one from Efira and the frankly scene stealing contributions of the young Graner, Régis Roinsard just about gets away with it. Sometimes the humour is a little too surreal and in your face, but as the plot develops we are gradually drawn into their family predicament and I found myself feeling quite a bit of sympathy as you can sort of guess what is going to happen at the end. If you can forgive the first twenty minutes, then the film depicts a story that touches a few human emotions - love and selfishness chief amongst them, and is actually quite a decent watch.

I would say, it grabs you in the moment, you realize the cruel lige, Camille has managed to escape and why she prefers to live in her phantasie room. A very gentle and sensitive desvription of her struggles, which gradually leed to the end.

George love is strong, unselvish, irrational and indisputable .

I don't think that the movie begins in South France, hotel Bel Reves, it is a hint to Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda's life and to Tender is the Night".

There are so many levels and I would suggest not to take the movie as a French "mad extravagance", but let it develop. It will break your heart but it will also open your world.

Yes, it's a drama. And those who don't know what that is or don't know how to appreciate it .. just don't write comments-- ok?

I'm not really a drama fan and so I can't judge about "quality" of drama. The only thing that matters to me is story and how actors tell the story. If I can identify with story and if actors make story believable, then I call that a good drama movie.

I can say, I've seen quite a lot of movies so far.. also some dramas. But I can easily say that "Waiting for Bojangles" is one of the best in past 20 years.

Ok, it's starts kinda silly, which made me thinking it's "another cheap" try... but soon we realize the beginning makes so much sense and the tempo of the story is just right.

Both main actors are quite new to me and truth to be told, my first visual impression was, that Romain Duris is probably wrong choice. How to say, his appearance next to Virginie Efira just didn't "fit in". But how wrong I was -only these two excellent actors could make this movie authentic.

Highly recommended for mature audience!

I give 9 out of 10 stars -because I'm picky.