Directed by Geraldine Nakache and Herve Mimran
Ely (Geraldine Nakache) and Lila (Herve Mimran) have grown up together in the French equivalent of a housing estate and they are like sisters. They both still live with their families and after dropping out of high school, have jobs at the local shopping complex. Full of youthful energy, they occupy their spare time goofing around and reading glossy magazines that are full of the beautiful people of Paris. One night they decide to get into one of the nightclubs that is patronised by the disgustingly wealthy upper class, even though there is no way that they will be able to make it through the front door.
Lila quickly falls for the charms of Maxx (Simon Buret) while Ely accidentally cements a friendship with a lesbian couple – model Joan (Linh-ban Pham) and photographer Agathe (Virginie Ledoyen). At first they are simply amazed at almost everything in the world of the Parisian elite, including that they have lemon on their pasta instead of meat sauce. However, as the pretence continues over a period of time, their friendship suffers and so do family connections. They both learn a lot about themselves as cracks begin to appear in their glittering fantasy world. This film is a delightful romp, full of comedy as well as tender moments.
It is part of the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival which runs at Cinema Paradiso (Perth) and Luna on SX (Fremantle) for 4 weeks – from 23 March to 10 April. This year’s program has over 40 films and program details and tickets are available on www.lunapalace.com.au. Book in advance of the opening night film as it always sells out. The film Potiche, directed by Francois Ozon (Eight Women), is a frothy, camp comedy done in a deliberately retro style with Catherine Deneuve and Gerard Depardieu.
Lezly Herbert
