Épouse-moi (2000)
Directed by Harriet Marin

Film Review

Épouse-moi marks a promising directorial debut for Harriet Marin - a light romantic comedy with an unusual narrative structure, some quirky humour and a solid performance from the delightful Michèle Laroque.  This is the kind of film which will appeal far more to non-French than to French audiences, since it offers the kind of sugary romantic fantasy which tends to enchant foreign audiences whilst leaving most French spectators singularly unimpressed.  It is certainly easy to fault the film on its lack of originality, artificial set pieces and awkward melange of farce and comedy-drama, but if viewed in the right frame of mind, and not taken too seriously, it can be a pleasing romp.  It certainly makes a welcome diversion from the grim, angst-riddled dramas which have formed the mainstay of "serious" French cinema in recent years.

Film Synopsis

Aware that her marriage is failing, Oriane decides to seek help from a fortune-teller named Bodel.  Gazing deep into his crystal ball, Bodel sees what the future has in store for his distressed client.  Apparently, Oriane's fate hangs on what becomes of a man unknown to her who is climbing up the Eiffel Tower.  Her husband Hadrian notices the man but fails to stop him plunging to his death.  He then meets the unfortunate man's widow and leaves Oriane to pursue an affair with her.  Oriane refuses to accept this turn of events and insists that Bodel tries again.

The obliging fortune-teller peers into his crystal a second time, and another story presents itself.  In this version, Hadrian manages to save the man from falling from the Tower, but the latter repays this kindness by stealing his wife from him.  Once again, Oriane cannot accept this outcome and decides it is up to her to save her marriage, having realised this is where her future happiness lies.  How far is she prepared to go to prevent Hadrian from leaving her...?