Fauteuils d'orchestre

Saw this lovely movie on Saturday night with Mary and Pavlina as part of Cinefranco, Toronto's annual French filmfest (even ran into Donna from the Pilot!) Directed by Daniele Thompson (who also wrote/directed Jet Lag which screened at TIFF in 2002), Fauteuils d'orchestre is a charming ensemble film about the interconnected lives of people on a chic Paris street, Avenue Montaigne (which is the film's English title, rather than the literal Orchestra seats). It centres on the life of adorable young Jessica who comes to Paris from Macon where she was raised by her delightful grandmother. Jessica finds a job working at the local Bar des Theatres - a popular haunt for the artists in the neighbourhood since it is conveniently located across the street. Jessica meets a famous pianist who is fed up with the performance circuit and wants to quit, a high maintenance actress who is appearing onstage but she really wants to do movies and get out of her lucrative TV contract, and an aging art collector who is selling off his entire collection for millions, despite his son's protests. (FYI the collector's son in the film is played by the actual director's son Christopher Thompson who is also co-writer of the screenplay.)

This is a delicious behind-the-scenes visit to one of the most elegant quartiers in Paris, and with all the twists and turns the story comes together beautifully, although in my experience sometimes the director can't resist overdoing the schmaltz. That said, see this if you want to spend a couple of wonderful hours dreaming of your next visit to Paris and laughing through the ridiculousness of the Cesar-winning actress' onstage debut - she gives North American divas a run for their money. Young Jessica's exuberance is infectious and she is so lovely with her grandmother, (the actress sadly passed away after filming was completed). Sydney Pollack even puts in a funny cameo as (what else?) an American director. For your breath of fresh air and an armchair visit to Paris in the Spring - see Fauteuils d'orchestre (Avenue Montaigne)! MMMM