By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.125 cats
Director: Agnès Jaoui
Starring: Agnès Jaoui | Alain Chabat | Anne Alvaro | Brigitte Catillon | Gérard Lanvin | Jean-Pierre Bacri
Original language title: Le goût des autres
Country: france
Year: 2001
Running time: 112
IMDB: http://us.imdb.com/Details?0216787
Diane says: “This French film is one of those goodies about real people, like YOU CAN COUNT ON ME. It was written by Agnès Jaoui and her husband Jean-Pierre Bacri, was directed by Jaoui who plays a supporting role, and stars Bacri.
“A philistine manufacturing company owner falls for an actress and tries to fit in with her artsy crowd. Two of his staff are also working through their own difficult relationships with women. Excellent acting all around; many viewpoints; comic and touching. I think the title can go two ways: the clash between people’s tastes (in art, lovers, TV shows, decorating, music), and tasting, as in trying out, other people to see if you’re compatible. Highly recommended!” 4 cats
Laura says: “THE TASTE OF OTHERS is both heartbreaking and hopeful. Alvara’s final smile is like something out of a constellation while Bruno’s mysterious, solitary flute playing is given satisfying closure for both the character and the film. Small moments, even when anticipated (Castella placing his newly purchased modern painting amidst his wife’s flowery, fluffy decor), bring large payoffs. THE TASTE 0F OTHERS is a real treat” 4 1/2 cats
For Laura’s complete review: “http://www.reelingreviews.com/thetasteofothers.htm”
Michael says: “As Diane commented, it’s really just an examination of a group of people and how different they all are. And I agree with Laura about how the cast all looked like American actors, particularly the Peter Riegert and Lily Tomlin doubles. Excellent acting, and a really nice script. Reminded me a bit of some of Eric Roehmer’s films, particularly an old favorite of mine, BOYFRIENDS AND GIRLFRIENDS. Good candidate for Best Cast too.”4 cats
Robin says: “Writer/director/actress Agnes Jaoui, with cowriter/costar, Bacri, have crafted a terrific little slice of life in today’s France, but the action could take place anywhere. Monsieur Castella is a well-to-do businessman whose steel barrel-making company is about to go international. His wife, Angelique, is a demanding shrew who fashions herself to be a talented interior decorator and arts patron. His driver, Bruno (Alain Chabat), meets an old flame, Manie (Agnes Jaoui), but forgot that they made love one night years before. Castella hires struggling actress Clara to teach him English and falls for her in the process. And his temporary bodyguard, Frank, begins a noncommittal romance with Manie. There is all this and more going on in director Jaoui’s Oscar nominated film.” 4 cats
For Robin’s complete review: “http://www.reelingreviews.com/thetasteofothers.htm”
Stephen says: “THE TASTE OF OTHERS is one of the most honest and hopeful films I’ve seen in a very long time – Boston Globe film critic Jay Carr’s comparison of it to the work of Jean Renoir in his review was certainly on the mark.”
Tim says: “Everyone should see this movie. In past years, my favorite movies have been those where the cast is greater than the sum of its parts (MAGNOLIA, THE FIVE SENSES, REQUIEM FOR A DREAM, ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER, etc.) I can now add this movie to the list. Everything about it was smart, and I don’t think any part of the movie was weak…it was a very…smooth movie. I thought the humor was especially well placed as well as appropriate.”