Populaire

The last time I went to the movies was for Avatar but walking through yet another snowstorm in Montréal I decided I was up for a light and colourful movie, and didn't care much what the story was about. So Populaire was a pleasant surprise as the premise is fresh and interesting. It's the story of a young and pretty typist so fast on her typewriter that her boss challenges her to win a few typing competitions. So it's like every sports film with the bonus of a love story. The third act is a bit unnecessary and repetitive but the movie is quite adept at walking the fine line between stylish and kitsch. Plus, in it's subtle way, Populaire shows us what it was probably like to be a working girl in the late fifties. The movie works best when focusing on the relationship between the two leads. They are quite charming ( if I were a girl I would sure paint my nails the way she does !). Better than the poor box-office in France led me to believe.

It might feel simple in its premise (what romantic comedy doesn't? Only a few might have a real complex story), but the actors are really good in it. Actually it is very reminiscent of classic movies and its not a coincidence that the costumes and or haircuts are very much in the style of Audrey Hepburn. It could have starred the actress from the past easily and feel the same.

So while the viewer might know where this movie is leading (no real surprise here), it is the journey that makes it worthwhile. Rich, poor it doesn't really matter, as long as you follow your dreams. Whatever they are and whatever obstacles are in your way.

If it weren't for the very specific year during which the action in this movie is set, the perfect music for this would have been 10cc's 'I'm Not in Love' - Of course Louis is in love, and only he doesn't realise it. You can forgive him, after all, this is post second world war and he has lost too many meaningful people to want to risk another loss. Rose has perfect visceral understanding of the feelings of those around her. She's also a super-fast one finger typist. We 21st century equivalents may have super-fast thumbs instead. The period feel, superb costumes and believable dialogue make this a very satisfying production. Not sure about the brief bedroom scene that doesn't belong here. Fancy a good, uplifting entertainment, choose this!

Populaire is the shiny pearl type of movie. Simple enough to be worn regularly and noticeable enough to be more than a touch of color. The typical 50's pastel and soft colors are everywhere in the movie, except when the tone of the story turns less glamour and kitsch to become more intimate. Then the colors turn brighter, sharper and more intense... following the scene moods.

I had no idea about what kind of movie my friends dragged me to but I have to recognize this was a very pleasant surprise. The lead actors (Deborah François and Romain Duris) are carrying the whole movie and it turned way more thrilling that I could expect at first from a type machine competition movie.

There is some sense of Pygmalion and My Fair Lady where love is in the air even though it wasn't the initial purpose. When a young, pretty and innocent girl is coached by her boss, she turns into an accomplished and genuine beautiful Lady.

If you're planning a nice movie sessionflick with your soulmate, without complicated plot or senseless violence and you want to ensure you'll finish smiling at the end, go for Populaire, worths it !!!

This is a French romantic comedy, I enjoyed watching it but it also has some problems. The good parts: The best part about the movie is the nice set design and the costumes. It's great to see a movie that is not set in a contemporary US city like most other comedy movies. I liked the female lead actor.

What I didn't like: The two actors don't seem to have real chemistry. Both main leads are supposed to have certain features. She is supposed to be a klutz, he is supposed to appear a bit mean but should be a good man on the inside. This characteristics are used to explain why they act the way they do. Unfortunately the director spends about one and a half minute on these characteristics and that's it.