Bonsoir
Having first lost his wife then his job as a tweed tailor, Alex Ponttin has devised a novel way to keep himself in touch with society. He admits himself into people's homes, by pretending to be a relative or an official, and persuading his victims to give him a night's free board: He finds at first a lunch at the horrible couple Dumont, where a thief follows him for a robbery. Alex spent an evening in front of TV at Marie, mother of seven children. He runs from Marie to find an evening and a new bed at the home of charming but shy lesbian Caroline and her funny lover Gloria. To save her inheritance, Caroline - accused for her homosexuality by her horrible sister Catherine - tells her aunt Amélie, that Gloria is her secretary and Alex her lover. So Alex has to present himself nude in Caroline's bed. He saves Carolines inheritance. The police officers investigating the case are so terminally stupid that Alex has little chance of being arrested.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this French comedy, a man named Antoine is on the verge of committing suicide. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters a mysterious woman who offers him a deal: if he can make her laugh within 24 hours, she will save his life. This peculiar proposition sends Antoine on a chaotic and humorous journey as he tries to find the humor in his bleak existence.
Critical Reception
Bonsoir received mixed to negative reviews from critics, who found its humor to be dated and its plot somewhat nonsensical. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, with many finding the film to be an uninspired entry in Jean-Pierre Mocky's filmography.
What Reviewers Say
- The film struggles to find a consistent comedic tone.
- The plot is often predictable and lacks originality.
- The performances are generally considered adequate but unable to salvage the weak material.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for 'Bonsoir (1994)' is not readily available.
Fun Fact
Director Jean-Pierre Mocky was known for his prolific output and often worked with a recurring cast of actors, including many of the stars in Bonsoir.
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