Rashid Irani's review: Heartbreaker
Hindustan Times | , New Delhi
Rashid Irani Jan 14, 2012 03:26 PM IST
First screened here as part of the ‘Rendezvous with French cinema’ programme in 2010, this Gallic romance is one of the few European films to be accorded a commercial release, albeit in an English dubbed version.
Heartbreaker
Direction: Pascal Chaumeil
Actors: Romain Duris, Vanessa Paradis
Rating: **
First screened here as part of the ‘Rendezvous with French cinema’ programme in 2010, this Gallic romance is one of the few European films to be accorded a commercial release, albeit in an English dubbed version.
The clever if calculated plot revolves around a professional seducer who, for a price, breaks up would-be-unhappy couples before their weddings. Abiding by a personal code of honour, the gigolo never falls in love with the bride-to-be.
Naturellement, his resolve is tested during an assignment involving a beautiful heiress (popular songstress Paradis) and her fiancé. The interaction between the characters becomes repetitive as they find themselves in a slew of situations ranging from silly to syrupy.
Mon dieu, monsieur even learns to shimmy to the soundtrack of her favourite movie to impress the femme. The finale is so predictable, it falls flat.
Direction: Pascal Chaumeil
Actors: Romain Duris, Vanessa Paradis
Rating: **
First screened here as part of the ‘Rendezvous with French cinema’ programme in 2010, this Gallic romance is one of the few European films to be accorded a commercial release, albeit in an English dubbed version.
The clever if calculated plot revolves around a professional seducer who, for a price, breaks up would-be-unhappy couples before their weddings. Abiding by a personal code of honour, the gigolo never falls in love with the bride-to-be.
Naturellement, his resolve is tested during an assignment involving a beautiful heiress (popular songstress Paradis) and her fiancé. The interaction between the characters becomes repetitive as they find themselves in a slew of situations ranging from silly to syrupy.
Mon dieu, monsieur even learns to shimmy to the soundtrack of her favourite movie to impress the femme. The finale is so predictable, it falls flat.
The production design is ultra-slick with debutant director Chaumeil showing only the glossy environs of the locations in Marrakech and Monaco.
Of the cast, Romain Duris is the standout. The rest of the ensemble barely passes muster. A frivolous concoction, Heartbreaker is at best comme si, comme ho-hum.
Incidentally, a Hollywood remake is slated for release soon.
Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.
Explore the art deco structures of Mumbai through a heritage walk with HT! Participate now.
Get more updates from Bollywood, Hollywood, Music and Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times.
Get more updates from Bollywood, Hollywood, Music and Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times.
Share this article