DESACCORD PARFAIT (TWICE UPON A LIFETIME)

France/UK, 2006, 92 minutes, Colour.
Jean Rochefort, Charlotte Rampling, Isabelle Nanty, Ian Richardson, Charles Dance.
Directed by Antoine de Caunes.

A British/French co-production, spoken in both French and English though most of the action takes place in a very photogenic England.

This is a piece of entertaining, sophisticated fluff with a plot line that most audiences will twig very soon into the film. The enjoyment comes in knowing what has happened behind the scenes and what will happen when all is revealed.

The stars are Jean Rochefort and Charlotte Rampling, an odd couple. In the 1970s, she was his star, muse and protégé. He was her director and lover. Then suddenly she disappeared, returned to England to a marriage and a life of wealth and celebrity.

He is to receive a life award in London and powers that be (who obviously had not read the gossip columns) think it a good idea if she makes the award. Result: initial tantrums in the haughty Charlotte Rampling grande dame style with plenty of acid comments and a humiliating speech. Result: he, being a good actor and director, ingratiates himself into her home. In farcical Gallic style, what will happen? It is all a bit like 30s screwball comedy in the 21st century.

Rochefort can look hangdog, genial, intense, something that has endeared him to many audiences. He has to presume on this talent a bit here since he has been a bit of a cad. Charlotte Rampling has no need to try hard. She does this kind of thing as to the manner born. The late Ian Richardson appears as her husband.

It’s all a bit in one eye and out the other, but lightly enjoyably so.

1. A romantic comedy – the touch in reverse?

2. The title, the perfect disagreement – but the overtones of reconciliation in the English title?

3. The cast, French and English, the dialogue in French and English?

4. Back to the past, the memories of the heyday, Louis, his talent, career, Alice and her career? The style of the media in the 1970s? Cinema? Talent, fans? Write-ups?

5. The young actors, the relationship, marriage – and break up?

6. 30 years later, Louis, his personality, age, career, lifetime achievement?

7. Alice, retired, her marriage, relationship with her husband, her son? The request to present the award?

8. Alice, mixed motivations, the decision to make the award?

9. Alice and her husband, the satire on the gay Englishman? His son?

10. The ceremony, the master of ceremonies, the public show, the audience, audiences knowing what was behind the scenes?

11. The actors, their age – and the possibility of twice in a lifetime?