Les Gens en maillot de bain ne sont pas (forcément) superficiels (2001) Directed by Eric Assous
Comedy / Romance
aka: People in Swimsuits Aren't (Necessarily) Shallow
Film Review
Having earned a reputation as a scriptwriter (with numerous contributions for radio, television,
theatre and the cinema), Eric Assous made his directorial debut with this sunny romantic
comedy. There are echoes of an earlier French comedy classic, Les
Bronzés (1978) - the setting is similar, as are many of the characters
and some of he jokes. Whereas that previous film about sun, sea and sex was
more consciously satirical in its approach, Assous' film is more realistic - closer in
style to Eric Rohmer's Pauline
à la plage.
This is an enjoyable little film which offers some poignant reflections on life and many
situations most audiences should be able to relate to. It features a talented young
cast of actors, many of whom we can expect to see a great deal more of in futures years.
Assous' writing skills are evident in a script which sparkles with wit, imagination and
insight. The film's subject matter and its large array of characters prevents it
from becoming too deep and introspective, which is just as well since its main raison
d'être is to entertain.
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Film Synopsis
When she finds out that her lover Philippe is planning to spend his holiday with his wife
and children in the Antilles, Camille is furious. She books a flight for the same
destination and sets out to wreck Philippe's holiday - and his marriage. At the
same location, a lesbian couple Pauline and Anita find their relationship tested to breaking
point when Pauline meets up with an old flame and Anita develops a skin infection.
An impoverished young Arab, Aziz (who was given the holiday tickets as a present from
his generous employer) tries to keep his hypoactive younger brother in check - with limited
success. Meanwhile, Carla is just out to have a good time whilst Laurette, hoping
to find the man of her dreams, finds herself falling for the charms of the holiday camp
organiser, Jimmy...
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