Auguste, a playwright working the final touches of his latest theatre piece, is visited by the two stars and the director of the play that will be making its debut soon. As with many writers, Auguste, is not quite ready to finish the drama. Making matters worse, the leading lady, Fanny, is his former wife. As the trio arrives it is clear Fanny is having an affair with her leading man, Theo.
The author has a young assistant, Harriet, who does not show any interest in her boss. She is a young woman that lives nearby and is helping Auguste with the new material to finish the play. When he asks Harriet to read the final act for him, he is taken aback by her rendition of what he just has written. In fact, he points out to Stephane, the director, the young woman would be ideally cast for the principal role because of the freshness she projects.
The playwright still has feelings for his former wife, but little prepares him when Fanny informs him she will be marrying Theo as soon as the play opens. Trying to prove himself, he seduces Harriet, whom one never suspected could have been attracted to the older Auguste. Ideally, Auguste thinks he could have a three way marriage with both women.
Directed by Jacques Doillon, a successful writer and director who is working with his own material. Part of the problem of the film is the fact it feels too theatrical. Most of the scenes are dominated by Auguste's rambling account about his life as an aside in the playhouse. The two female characters in the film appear to be an after thought because Auguste dominated all the action.
Pascal Gregory has done better before, although he is quite good as the man at the center of the action. Julie Depardieu, the daughter of Gerard, brings a breath of fresh air to the film, even though her role is secondary. Agathe Bonitzer is effective as Fanny and Louis Garrel has nothing to do with his Theo.
The author has a young assistant, Harriet, who does not show any interest in her boss. She is a young woman that lives nearby and is helping Auguste with the new material to finish the play. When he asks Harriet to read the final act for him, he is taken aback by her rendition of what he just has written. In fact, he points out to Stephane, the director, the young woman would be ideally cast for the principal role because of the freshness she projects.
The playwright still has feelings for his former wife, but little prepares him when Fanny informs him she will be marrying Theo as soon as the play opens. Trying to prove himself, he seduces Harriet, whom one never suspected could have been attracted to the older Auguste. Ideally, Auguste thinks he could have a three way marriage with both women.
Directed by Jacques Doillon, a successful writer and director who is working with his own material. Part of the problem of the film is the fact it feels too theatrical. Most of the scenes are dominated by Auguste's rambling account about his life as an aside in the playhouse. The two female characters in the film appear to be an after thought because Auguste dominated all the action.
Pascal Gregory has done better before, although he is quite good as the man at the center of the action. Julie Depardieu, the daughter of Gerard, brings a breath of fresh air to the film, even though her role is secondary. Agathe Bonitzer is effective as Fanny and Louis Garrel has nothing to do with his Theo.
