Demain on déménage (2004)
Directed by Chantal Akerman

Film Review

Demain on déménage may lack the sophistication and coherence of Chantal Akerman's previous film comedies, but this doesn't prevent it from being an amusing romp - a breezy, witty and unpredictable farce which combines some thoughtful reflections on modern life with a seemingly endless barrage of absurd yet utterly hilarious comic situations. The film stars Sylvie Testud, an enormously talented young actress who plays comedy and drama with equal aplomb and is never less than convincing in either kind of film. Here, she heads a mouthwatering cast which includes such charismatic and talented performers as Aurore Clément, Jean-Pierre Marielle and Natacha Régnier. Together, this impressive ensemble salvages what might otherwise have been a hopelessly muddled farce.

The plot may not be as slick and well-thought out as that of Akerman's previous comedies (such as Un divan à New York (1996)) and the plethora of sketchy, under-developed characters who spawn countless sub-plots prevents the film from gelling into a coherent and satisfying whole. The film doesn't so much flirt with absurdity as totally embraces it, resulting in some moments of sheer lunacy. Demain on déménage can hardly be described as a sophisticated comedy but it is great fun and it succeeds in making light of a situation that we all dread - having to move home. Who needs to fork out for expensive therapy when all you need to do is sell your house?

Film Synopsis

Charlotte, a writer of erotic fiction, lives in Paris in a comfortable two-floor apartment.  After the death of her father, her mother Catherine decides to move in with her.  Charlotte lives on the top floor, Catherine on the floor beneath.  The cohabitation proves to be far from ideal for Charlotte, who is constantly distracted from working on the book she has been commissioned to write by her mother, who is a whirlwind in human form.  A music teacher, Charlotte insists on giving piano lessons, which creates even more unwelcome disturbance for her daughter.  In the end, Charlotte decides that the only sensible thing to do is for her sell her apartment and buy a house where the two women can live together more agreeably.  In the process of selling the apartment, the writer gets to meet some interesting people, and this provides just the inspiration she needs for her new novel...