After you / Après Vous (R)

by Pierre Salvadori

Smart, tart and winningly funny, Après Vous is a richly observed character-based dramatic comedy from writer/director Pierre Salvadori (Les Apprentis). A recent critical and box office smash hit in France, Après Vous boasts an expertly constructed script and an hilarious odd couple in Daniel Auteuil and comic phenomenon José Garcia.

Antoine (Daniel Auteuil) works in a bar in Paris. One evening on his way home from work, he intervenes when a man, Louis, (José Garcia) tries to commit suicide. He feels strangely guilty about having saved his life and constantly tries to help him and make things better. But no matter what Antoine does, he can't get Louis mind off of Blanche (Sandrine Kiberlain), the woman of his dreams, his sole obsession, the reason why he wanted to die... Antoine decides to look for her, but doesn't let Louis know. However things don't happen the way he planned. Blanche isn't alone, and  what's more, she's beautiful...

The film, which Salvadori co-authored from an original story idea by fellow writer-director Danielle Dubroux, is a wonderful comedy about friendship, love and betrayal. Auteuil again shows his skill at character comedy with the same quiet aplomb and timing he brings to his more serious roles, and Garcia confirms himself as an explosive comedy talent and inveterate scene-stealer.

France - 2003 - Comedy - 85 mn.- French with English subtitles
Director: Pierre Salvadori
Script: Pierre Salvadori, Benoît Graffin, David Léotard, Danièle Dubroux
With: Daniel Auteuil, Sandrine Kiberlain, José Garcia
Distributor in Australia: Sharmill Films