And Now... Ladies and Gentlemen... (2002)
Directed by Claude Lelouch

Film Review

Even die-hard fans of Claude Lelouch's work are unlikely to be overly impressed with this latest offering from the “director critics love to hate”.  True, there are some moments of well-intended hilarity (Jeremy Irons dragged up to his high teeth is about as good as it gets) and the glossy production values at least create the impression of a classy piece of cinema.  The problem is that - as with many of Lelouch's films lately - clumsy artistic pretensions vastly overwhelm any real merit, so whilst the film is pretty to look at, it offers no more than a shallow cinematic experience.  Patricia Kaas is probably the film's strongest selling point - her portrayal of a woman in mid-life turmoil is at least sympathetic, although this is effectively undermined by the obvious lack of chemistry with her wooden English co-star.

Film Synopsis

Valentin is a gentleman thief who models himself on Arsène Lupin.  Pursued by the police and weary of his criminal existence, he hires a yacht and puts out to sea.  Valentin is happy to drift around the world but his maritime exploits are abruptly curtailed when he sustains a serious head injury.  He washes up on the coast of Morocco, where he receives treatment for his injuries.  This is how he comes to meet Jane, an attractive cabaret singer in a swanky bar who is suffering from recurring bouts of memory loss.  A relationship gradually develops between these two damaged individuals as they struggle to hold on to reality...