Daniel Auteil sheds the dramatic character of Michael Hanneke's CACHÉ to star in this light French comedy. Auteil plays François, an antiques dealer who finds it far easier to locate an Art Deco rarity than a true friend. He has plenty of professional contacts, but an utter lack of people skills leaves him alone after office hours. His business partner bets an expensive vase that he can't produce a friend within 10 days, and François struggles to pick out a best friend in an address book full of acquaintances and childhood chums. He keeps running into fellow loner Bruno (Dany Boon, THE VALET), who is friendly but can't trust anyone. Bruno teaches him to be "sympathique" (sociable) as François continues his search.
Even though MY BEST FRIEND centers on a man's search for a friend, it resembles a standard romantic comedy in its structure. It may lack an innovative plot, but this French gem makes up for it in charm. Auteil plays François with such energy that it's hard not to have affection for the man. Director Patrice Leconte has blended darkness and light in his past films such as THE MAN ON THE TRAIN, and he succeeds again here. Though MY BEST FRIEND is largely an enjoyable affair, there is an undercurrent of sadness throughout much of the film that keeps it from being too sweet.
DVD Features:
Full Frame - 1.33
Widescreen - 1.85
Audio:
(unspecified) - French
Subtitles - English - Optional
Additional Release Material:
Behind the Scenes: Making Of
Trailers: Theatrical Trailer
Director of Photography
Jean-Marie Dreujou:
Review 1:
3 stars out of 5 -- "[I]t exhibits the touch of a masterly hand....Part of the film's appeal is the dismantling of the conception of who we think we are."
Source: Ultimate DVD
p.107 06/01/2007
Review 2:
"Delightfully, the expert Patrice Leconte produces an unlikely comedy charmer." -- Grade: B+
Source: Entertainment Weekly
p.52 07/27/2007
Review 3:
3 stars out of 5 -- "Like all Leconte's films, it's touching and gorgeous to look at...."
Source: Total Film
p.130 11/01/2007
Review 4:
"[A] sweet comic fable....Mr. Leconte situates his moral fantasy in a specific and well-observed world."
Source: New York Times
p.E8 07/10/2007