France’s nominee for the Best Foreign Language Film has been making it’s way through the U.S. art theater circuit. I can understand why, Avenue Montaigne did not make the final five, it lacks the gravity that Oscar loves, it isn’t totally serious. But it is a fun film, especially if you’re a person who feels that art of any kind is an important part of your life.

One reason to see Avenue Montaigne is for Cecile De France as Jessica, the young woman who charms here way into unexpected and unlikely friendships. First convincing a restaurant manager to break with tradition by hiring a woman, Jessica finds herself learning about art and artists. The restaurant is located near a theater, and orchestra hall and a gallery, and the various artists have their own dramatic stories. Some readers may better recall De France as the crazed killer from High Tension. She still has the closely cropped hair, but in this film De France helps spiritually heal people rather than cut them up. One of the artists, Jessica encounters is an American film director played by Sydney Pollack.

For some inexplicable reason, the original French title, which translates as “Orchestra Seats” was not used. The film was directed by Daniele Thompson and co-written with her son Christopher, who also appears in the film. Thompson’s best known film is Jet Lag with Jean Reno and Juliette Binoche as lovers stuck at an airport. Even better, is La Buche, proof that you can make a Christmas themed film that is smart and intelligent. These films are on DVD if you want to check them out.

Everything works out for all of the characters in Avenue Montaigne. One of the elements that makes this film enjoyable is the French pop music - Charles Aznavour, Gilbert Becaud and Juliette Greco, among others. This is the cinematic equivalent to French pastry - a delight for the eye, not overly sweet, and ultimately of minimal substance.

Popularity: 1% [?]