La Vieille fille (1972) Directed by Jean-Pierre Blanc
Comedy
aka: The Old Maid
Film Review
This gentle comedy features Annie Girardot and Philippe Noiret, two greatly loved actors
in France. It was a surprising box office success for director Jean-Pierre Blanc,
his first full-length film. With its refreshingly unusual style, off-the-wall (almost
surreal) comic moments and honest, closely observed portrayal of male-female interactions,
La Vieille fille is a rare film that feels both
anarchic and comforting. The on-screen rapport between Girardot and Noiret has a
quality of magic about it; so much is conveyed in so small a space that you end up feeling
you know both of the characters they portray intimately. A charming film, and subtly
poignant.
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Film Synopsis
After reaching the grand old age of 35, Muriel Bouchon decides to end her
days of dull spinsterhood and now devote herself to finding a male companion
to share her remaining years. To that end, she takes up residence in
a hotel in the sunny seaport of Cassis near Marseille and hopes that sooner
or later a suitable soul mate will present himself to her. She doesn't
have to wait long. Gabriel Marcassus, a dapper man in his forties,
soon catches her eye when he checks into the hotel, after his planned expedition
to Spain falls flat.
Muriel and Gabriel have at least one thing in common: they are both afflicted
with chronic shyness. In spite of this, in the course of several impromptu
encounters, they engage each other's interest and soon develop a fond liking
for one another. Their fellow boarders at the hotel provide plenty
of distractions, but it is Muriel that Gabriel finds himself most drawn to,
although he struggles to put into words his feelings for her. All too
soon, the holiday draws to a close and Gabriel is accompanying Muriel back
to the train station, without having yet broached the matter of whether they
should meet again. It looks as if both are about to let their last
chance of happiness slip through their fingers...
Cast:Annie Girardot (Muriel Bouchon),
Philippe Noiret (Gabriel Marcassus),
Marthe Keller (Vicka),
Edith Scob (Edith, Monod's wife),
Catherine Samie (Clotilde),
Maria Schneider (Mome),
Lorenza Guerrieri (Punaisa),
Albert Simono (Daniel),
Claudine Assera (La servante),
Jean-Pierre Darras (Sacha),
Michael Lonsdale (Monod),
Giulia Salvatori
Country: France / Italy
Language: German / French
Support: Color
Runtime: 85 min
Aka:The Old Maid
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