When an aging Manhattan heiress realises she’s going to run out of money what’s a girl to do? Answer, move to Paris with her aimless son and cat. What follows is an absurdist comedy movie, French Exit that will leave you laughing and take you places you didn’t know you were going to go.
Manhattan heiress Frances Price (Michelle Pfeiffer) has a charmed life living off her husbands inheritance. Twelve years on though she’s delivered some bad news, the money has run out.
After selling the last of her possessions she is offered the use of a small apartment in Paris, free of charge. With no other options available she sets off with her directionless son Malcolm (Lucas Hedges) and cat, Small Frank. Unbeknown to her Malcolm is engaged.
On the cruise ship to Paris they met fortune teller Madeline and learn there are usually two deaths a day on a cruise, with the bodies left in a cool room dubbed “the Chill Zone”. This is one of many surreal moments in the movie. Others include learning how to smuggle a cat over a border, and how to get the attention of snobby waiters at a restaurant.
Once settled in Paris they met neighbour Madam Reynard (Valarie Mahaffey) who is hilarious with Woody Allen anxiety undertones.
As Frances refuses to stop her generous ways, the remaining money dwindles fast as the apartment fills with a random collection of fascinating people.
As I giggled at the absurdity of some situations I pondered:
- Maybe it was the setting or the slow pace but the movie has a touch of Woody Allen about it;
- Pfeiffer plays the part well and no doubt had a heap of fun along the way;
- The movie is an interesting exploration given current debates about euthanasia.
- While the movie does take a turn at one stage it’s best to just go with it;
- Heaps of fun.
For more information go to Luna Cinema
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