Un taxi mauve

Actually a review by Rusk's father, Jerry. Purple Taxi is an outstanding movie, full of mood, atmosphere, ambiance, plus some of the greatest Irish scenery. The acting is superb by Ustinov, Noiret, Rampling, the actor who plays Rampling's brother, and Astaire. Unusual story makes it even more mysterious and tantalizing. A series of people from other lands living in Ireland trying to resolve their problems and rework their life situations are aided by the clever Irish taxi driver Astaire, who sees through them all. Noiret also shows insight into the others' lives, while trying to resolve his own personal problems. While all actors are great, Noiret is beyond great--a truly outstanding performance. One of the best 25 movies I have ever seen in my 70-plus years! The other reviewer was right--a neglected masterpiece.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story told from the perspective of a thoughtful, bereaved father played by Philippe Noiret and set in an Irish village. Everyone has a secret apart from the local doctor in his pink taxi, played by Fred Astaire. Ustinov puts in a great turn as the eccentric European with a weird, unhealthily controlling relationship with his daughter/neice/whoever. Charlotte Rampling as the uber rich, princess and sister of a man hiding from his own past (under orders from his family) looks absolutely stunning and turns the sensuality up to 11. Goodness knows how Noiret retains his mild, calm demeanor under those eyes.

In Ireland on the Beara peninsula a doctor called Scully (Fred Astaire) drives around in a symbolic purple taxi trying to help various troubled individuals with their wounds, both physical and emotional. Advertised with the line 'Each one is driven by love' writer/director Yves Boisset's 1977 feature film version of Michel Deon's novel is a mysterious drama about the loves, sadness and relationships of it's emotionally troubled characters (who include Peter Ustinov, Philippe Noiret, Charlotte Rampling, Agostina Belli, and Edward Albert), and is rather untypical seeming of the other films being directed at the time by Boisset. Evocative, poetic seeming (a bit like a dream in places), despite it's at times soap opera dramas, this French/Irish co-production is perhaps best remembered for being one of Astaire's final films. This review is based on the French language version - Astaire speaking in French!?

I have seen this remarkable film only once, at a film festival in Edmonton Canada in 1978 or 1979 -- and most people haven't heard of it. In fact, until IMDB came along, I wasn't even able to persuade skeptical friends that this movie had ever been made. It's a mystery to me why this masterpiece has never been resurrected. The international cast features each and every player at their best. Set in the wild coast of western Ireland, the stories within the film are beautifully constructed and melded. It is an absolute treat to see Peter Ustinov, Charlotte Rampling, Fred Astaire, Philippe Noiret giving first-class performances all in the same film. Rampling is particularly good, and the scenes with Ustinov and Noiret crackle with finely-played lines. I've never heard of this on video or DVD and I don't even know if a decent print exists. If you ever come across it, you must see it -- this is a richly rewarding work.

This is a truly remarkable movie. A forgotten gem of great quality. Ustinov, Rampling, Noiret and the exquisite performance of the old Fred Astaire make this movie an unforgettable experience. Light-hearted drama, fine psychological detailing. The movie sets in the Ireland of 30 years ago. Still unspoilt by the EEC subsidies. Thatched cottages, cart roads and of course a major role for not only the Purple Taxi (Le Taxi Mauve), but also for a splendid early yellow Range Rover. This movie deserves to be restored for a new audience. It is just as fresh as it was 30 years ago. Very subtle acting, fine character playing, in short: not for Americans!