Merci Docteur Rey

I watched this film knowing going in that it was a French Farce with a stellar cast that have become synonymous with Merchant Ivory productions. I was laughing all the way through - its ham in place, camp in others, self deprecating and in many ways a complete parody of what you'd expect from Merchant Ivory.

Andrew Litvack the writer/director has come up with some cracking lines of dialogue on has put all his "low budget" on the screen. He pulls performances out of cast that befits a good comedy. Jane Birkin is neurotically funny, Jerry Hall proves she can act, Vanessa Redgrave is killer with one particular put down line delivered with expert self effacement at a crucial point in the story, Simon Callow does what he does best, Dianne Wiest is incredible as an Opera Diva and when she smokes a j with one of her Parisienne friends I giggle like a stoner, Stanislas Merhar playing her son, is mesmirisingly good looking and typically French in demeanour throughout - extracting some humour just facial expressions alone.

An English speaking film shot in France, directed by an American with some witty French dialogue added to the mix and this film is for all comers - the Merchant Ivory crowd will love the casting, the Opera crowd will love the costumes, the younger crowd will love the plot twists which keep you guessing.

Look out for the funniest visual gag in a movie that I've seen in a good while - it involves a dress that Jane Birkin wears. Its pure Gene Wilder. There's Woody Allenesque moments and a touch of Robert Altman - the use of Paris reminded me of his film Beyond Therapy - another good intelligent comedy. Loved it. Gonna learn French......

This is not the kind of movie that is going to make it to every theatre - it's only playing at one theater in Paris (but the best theatre!) and when I saw it, the show was completely sold out, but still, it's probably too sophisticated for most movie spectators. The excellent review in Le Monde on Decembre 3 (which is the reason I went to see it) said it was a mixture of Ernst Lubitsch and Woody Allen. This is very true - it's light and funny and very intelligent. Go if you can, if not wait for the DVD, but it's really worth seeing it on the big screen.

I loved every minute of Merci Docteur Rey. It was intelligently written, combining great comedy with an intricate plot. Outstanding performances by the cast make it difficult to believe that this is a first-time directorial effort. I howled at the Jane Birken wallpaper scene. I can't wait to see what Mr. Litvack has in store for us next.

I went to see it because the reviews were so mixed - I couldn't resist. And I have to say I was very impressed. For all the people who complain about the (gloriously) contrived plot, I would like to point out that it's certainly no more implausible than Bunuel or Almodovar, and I doubt that people would level the same accusations at them. For some reason it seems that it's fine to explain nothing in a film, but unpardonable to explain things via outrageous coincidence.

If you like 'quirky' French films, knowing in-jokes, and Paris then you should go and see this film. But on the other hand, if you're an old curmudgeon whose disbelief couldn't be suspended with industrial lifting equipment then stay away.

PS Though I do agree about the cheeky poster... It's full of blink-and-you'll-miss-it-cameos!

My wife and I saw this for the third time at the Miami Gay & Lesbian Festival, although it's not really a "gay" film as some would expect. While it is painted on a backdrop about a gay young man, this is a classic murder comedy in the best European tradition, from a writer/director with a tremendous future. Andrew Litvack has created a fresh, original, funny and mature screenplay and populated it with wonderful onscreen talent guided with a sure and confident hand. What was amazing to me is that every time I have seen this film, I find more wonderful surprises in subtle looks, photos on the wall, costumes, etc. Normally I do not have the patience to sit through a film twice, let alone three times! I will be pleased if offered the opportunity to see it again. It's truly a wonderful film.