For his first foray behind the camera, actor turned filmmaker Julien Rappeneau has decided to convert Camille Jourdy’s popular graphic novel 'Rosalie Blum' into a quirky romantic comedy.
To deliver the project he has assembled a stellar cast including Alice Isaaz, Kyan Khojandi, Noémie Lvovsky, Anémone and Philippe Rebbot.
Chosen as the Official Opening Night Selection for this years’ 27th Annual Alliance Française French Film Festival, this charming and beautifully produced comedy simply reinforces the high-standard and quality of contemporary French cinema.
Set in a small country town in France, the film revolves around a lonely, 30-something hairdresser
Vincent Machot (superbly played by Kyan Khojandi) who spends his time running his salon and dealing with his overly-possessive mother and his sex-obsessed cousin Laurent.
One Sunday morning, searching for ingredients at his local grocery, Vincent meets the gaze of a woman who runs the store and experiences a strange sense of déjà-vu. She is Rosalie Blum (played by the incredible Noémie Lvovsky), a sad faced, 50-year-old woman who for some reason – seems incredibly familiar to Vincent. Everything about her is familiar. Her face. Her name. Her eyes.
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It is a question that returns to haunt him as he ponders it night and day. Compelled to understand why she is so familiar, Vincent sets out to follow her in order to unravel the mystery.
What begins as a momentary sense of déjà-vu quickly escalates into what can only be described as obsessive stalking. Unbeknown to him, his subject is fully aware of his actions and asks her niece to provide counter intelligence – starting a hilarious game of hide-and-seek that has entirely unexpected results.
A chance encounter with Aude Cerceau (delightfully played by Alice Isaaz) turns out to be far more memorable than Vincent could have ever imagined but let’s not spoil the story behind this wonderfully written and well executed film. Let’s just say Rosalie Blum is everything Hollywood is not. It is a truly uplifting and joyous film that is as fresh as it is unpredictable.
Frankly, it is easy to see why this impeccably performed and beautifully shot comedy-drama won Audience Prize and Best Actress Award at the 2015 Festival Du Film de Sarlat.
Alliance Francaise French Film Festival Dates
Until 24 March - SydneyUntil 24 March - Melbourne
Until 29 March - Canberra
11 March - 3 April - Brisbane
16 March - 7 April - Perth
31 March - 24 April - Adelaide
7-10 - Casula
7-10 - Parramatta
