Le soupirant
- 1962
- Tous publics
- 1h 23m
Pierre is a shy man whose sole focus in life is studying astrology in solitude, which is often difficult since he still lives at and studies in his parents' house. His parent's would rather ... Read allPierre is a shy man whose sole focus in life is studying astrology in solitude, which is often difficult since he still lives at and studies in his parents' house. His parent's would rather he date and get married. He takes on this task with verve. Not knowing how to approach wom... Read allPierre is a shy man whose sole focus in life is studying astrology in solitude, which is often difficult since he still lives at and studies in his parents' house. His parent's would rather he date and get married. He takes on this task with verve. Not knowing how to approach women in a romantic way, he watches how other men operate and tries to emulate them, most oft... Read all
- Director
- Writers
- Stars
- Awards
- 2 wins & 2 nominations total
- Stella, the Olympia star
- (as France Arnell)
- Laurence, Pierre's Neighbour
- (as Laurence Lignères)
- Pierre's Mother
- (as Denise Perrone)
- Olympia's Stage Manager
- (as Petit Bobo)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
When the film begins, you see that Pierre is a nerdy guy who spends most of his times studying astronomy. His parents are concerned--he's getting older and should settle down and get married. The problem is that he is socially inept--though he is willing. Throughout much of the film, the character wanders about Paris--watching men picking up women and then he tries to imitate them. In every case, it's a disaster and I really, really liked the lipstick bit. However, some of the subplots went on WAY too long--particularly the obnoxious lady who laughs too loudly. Much of the film was very subtle and done much like a silent movie--but she didn't fit in at all. A little of her might have worked--using her as much as they did was, in my opinion, a mistake. She was funny but after a while she was just annoying--and NOT in a good way.
For me, this is a decent film but one that didn't excite me. However, it is important to note that many people LOVE Jacques Tati and Jerry Lewis--and these folks would probably love this film.
It's a remake of the Buster Keaton silent feature "Seven Chances," about a shy young man who must get married within a few days in order to inherit a fortune. This version is partially an homage to the silent cinema, but has a lot of Gallic touches as well, including some Brigette Bardot jokes.
There was another remake in the late nineties called "The Bachelor," which I haven't seen but understand was pretty bad. I hope someone will bring "The Suitor" out on DVD someday so we all can have a chance to enjoy it.
Update 2013: This movie has finally reemerged in a restored version that was shown on TCM in April 2013. On seeing it again, it was even better than I remembered it from decades earlier. Not only was it a superb homage to silent comedy, I also thought it anticipated some of the wackiness of Richard Lester and Monty Python, and the innovative use of sound made me think of Robert Altman. A unique and very entertaining film. Don't miss it if you get a chance to see it.
The funniest bits revolved around the performer, e.g. The chest of drawers with her image on it, the one at chest level delicately pulled out by our hero, or how her management team sign what look like personalized autographs in an assembly line, or how one of her handlers gets her to sign a blank check when she's mobbed by fans. I also liked the interactions backstage at the show, with Étaix blending in with the various vaudeville acts, and the ending which was charming. It didn't have quite enough over 84 minutes to love it, but it was worth seeing.
Did you know
- TriviaAt 61:20, as Pierre's mother is getting out of bed, Pierre's father (Claude Massot) is seen reading a book whose cover displays the artwork from Jacques Tati's film Mon oncle (1958) - a film on which Pierre Etaix served as an assistant director.
- GoofsWhen Laurence falls through the door of the lift, an assistant who was holding the actress can be seen behind her.
- ConnectionsReferences Mon oncle (1958)
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- The Suitor
- Filming locations
- Avenue George V, Paris 8, Paris, France(scene at the cafe terrace)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 23 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1