FRENCH POSTCARDS
US, 1979, 05 minutes. Colour.
Miles Chapin, Blanche Baker, David Marshall Grant, Valerie Quennessen, Debra Winger, Mandy Patinkin, Marie- France Pisier, Jean Rochefort, Lynn Carlin, George Coe.
Directed by Willard Huyck.
French Postcards is very much a comedy of the 1970s, the decade after all the revolutions of the 60s, students settling down, becoming a bit more self-centred and hedonistic. The film shows several American exchange students in Paris. Miles Chapin is the lead, as is a very young David Marshall Grant. Blanche Baker, daughter of Carroll Baker, is the leading lady. Debra Winger appears in a small role as a fellow student. Mandy Patinkin also appears. Marie- France Pisier and Jean Rochefort play the husband and wife running a school, but having marital difficulties themselves.
The film seems rather dated in its look and manner of speaking, and its issues. There was a certain permissiveness – but with reticence compared with some of the typical comedies of later decades.
The film was written and directed by Willard Huyck and his wife Gloria Katz. Huyck received an Oscar nomination for his writing for American Graffiti. He also received a Razzy award for his film, Howard the Duck, which was a critical and commercial failure.
1. An American- French production, comedy, serious undertones, French farce? Echoing the 70s?
2. Paris, the postcards, the sights, the school, accommodation, shops and restaurants? Real Paris? Glamorised Paris? The musical score?
3. Memories of Hemingway and the Americans in Paris in the 20s? The focus on study, writing, music composition, life? The contrast with experience?
4. The American group, the types, the men, the women, expectations of Paris? Wealth or not? Contact with parents? Communication?
5. The bus, Madame Catherine and her explanations, the driver, the farcical tour, her husband and his lecture?
6. The lectures, coaching, motivation? Tensions amongst the students? Alex and his not paying attention? The clash with Madame? Following her, her shopping? At the home, the affair and behaviour?
7. Joel, the geek, studying, the landlady, the encounter with Toni in the shop, the clash, her apology? Going out with her, the bond, enjoying himself, the sexual relationship, her past lover, their clash, his macho attitude towards her behaviour? His parents’ arrival? Going back to the United States – with Toni?
8. Toni, as a character, her life, relationships, at the college, her work in the shop, being rude, the apology?
9. Alex, his songs, the music for Madame? Her response?
10. The professor, his double-dealings with his wife, the French farce and their being caught? The clash and the resolution?
11. Life in Paris, French characters – French style, as observed by Americans?
