Merci Docteur Rey

This is not the kind of movie that is going to make it to every theatre - it's only playing at one theater in Paris (but the best theatre!) and when I saw it, the show was completely sold out, but still, it's probably too sophisticated for most movie spectators. The excellent review in Le Monde on Decembre 3 (which is the reason I went to see it) said it was a mixture of Ernst Lubitsch and Woody Allen. This is very true - it's light and funny and very intelligent. Go if you can, if not wait for the DVD, but it's really worth seeing it on the big screen.

My wife and I saw this for the third time at the Miami Gay & Lesbian Festival, although it's not really a "gay" film as some would expect. While it is painted on a backdrop about a gay young man, this is a classic murder comedy in the best European tradition, from a writer/director with a tremendous future. Andrew Litvack has created a fresh, original, funny and mature screenplay and populated it with wonderful onscreen talent guided with a sure and confident hand. What was amazing to me is that every time I have seen this film, I find more wonderful surprises in subtle looks, photos on the wall, costumes, etc. Normally I do not have the patience to sit through a film twice, let alone three times! I will be pleased if offered the opportunity to see it again. It's truly a wonderful film.

This French-American comedy produced by Merchant Ivory (but nothing like their usual staid fare) is totally unpredictable - you never know what's coming next. It's hard to talk about the plot without giving anything away, since there are so many twists and turns - but it all fits together perfectly at the end. The actors are great. Stanislas Merhar (Dry Cleaning) shows that he's great at comedy too, and he's still really cute. What can be said about Dianne Wiest - she's always so great. Jane Birkin is stupendous and so is Bulle Ogier, who I saw and loved in "Gang of Four" by Jacques Rivette. Definitely go see it or rent it when it comes out - you'll be surprised how much fun you'll have. I can't wait to see it again!

I loved every minute of Merci Docteur Rey. It was intelligently written, combining great comedy with an intricate plot. Outstanding performances by the cast make it difficult to believe that this is a first-time directorial effort. I howled at the Jane Birken wallpaper scene. I can't wait to see what Mr. Litvack has in store for us next.

This movie is what it is: a silly farce. It's great if you are looking for a light film to while away an evening. If you are looking for deep cinema, give it a pass. If you like whimsical silly films, you'll love it. I got some good laughs out of it, and the plot is certainly unlike any other film I've seen. Jane Birkin was terrific, especially the scene in the doctor's office. I was glad to be introduced to some fresh faces in this film. Diane Wiest was great too. I had not seen her in any recent films and it was nice to see her taking on a different role in a non-traditional film. The various plot lines all tie up at the end. Films with that kind of structure are usually fun to watch as you anticipate each character learning what's really going on. If you like ensemble cast films, you will probably like this one. It has a number of actors in it, some with small but funny parts. Check it out!