Priceless Review
Posted by Chad Webb on 03.28.2008
No teaser needed when the title says it best.
Audrey Tautou: Irene
Gad Elmaleh: Jean
Marie-Christine Adam: Madeleine
Vernon Dobtcheff: Jacques
Jacques Spiesser: Gilles
Annelise Hesme: Agnes
Directed By: Pierre Salvadori
Written By: Benoit Graffin and Pierre Salvadori
Release Date: March 28, 2008
Running Time: 104 minutes
Rated PG-13 for sexual content including nudity.
It is such a rarity that the title itself so appropriately describes the quality of the film, Priceless certainly fits the bill. Though I am a testosterone carrying male, I am not afraid to admit that I absolutely fell in love with Priceless. This is a French comedy that Hollywood could never and would never make. Director Pierre Salvadori conveys patience and sophistication that most American filmmakers lack. As delectable and tempting as the many fashion accessories and desserts it exhibits, this charmer will etch a permanent smile across your face.
Jean (Gad Elmaleh) is a young, timid, and friendly bartender. One late night, he is mistaken for a wealthy millionaire by a beautiful and devious opportunist named Irene (Audrey Tautou) who jumps from one affluent bachelor to another. Jean reaps the benefits of this ploy, but eventually Irene figures him out when he is caught in the act. She swiftly exits his life, but Jean has not made it that simple. He has a crush, and is willing to empty his bank account and basically serve as a slave in order to stay close to Irene. Much to his surprise, Jean manages to finagle his way further into Irene’s business when he shacks up with Madeleine (Marie Christine-Adam), a rich woman looking for companionship. As Jean starts to play Irene’s gold digging game rather well, she begins to open up and form a bond with her wily waiter.
In Amelie, she was perky and delightful as a girl helping others. In The Da Vinci Code, she traveled Europe with Tom Hanks to uncover a mystery. In Priceless, Audrey Tautou further establishes herself as a performer that is capable of anything she puts her mind to. She is simply stunning gently slipping in and out of those sleek dresses as a woman with one type of companion in mind, a prosperous one. Love is not a factor, nor the answer to her prayers. Instead, it represents a dilemma. Irene is seductive like a professional and tough as nails, but when confronted with genuine feelings for the opposite sex, it confuses and frightens her. Tautou succeeds in convincing the audience that she is sexy and alluring enough to hypnotize this naïve man, regardless of her true intentions. Her portrayal is not artificially nasty, but profound and honest. If Charlie Chaplin were alive and making movies, she’d be the perfect co-star.
Speaking of silent comics, Gad Elmaleh harnesses and evokes all the hilarious traits of classic 20’s humor. If Alan Tudyk in Death at a Funeral channeled Chaplin with his hallucinogenic antics, Elmaleh tends to ride the Buster Keaton wavelength. He doesn’t have to move or speak necessarily, but just the quickest facial expression or the slightest gesture ignites instant laughter. As Jean, Elmaleh is a riotous natural wit precision timing. Jean has committed financial suicide in an attempt to reach Irene’s heart. You must see it to believe it. He is very pessimistic, submissive, and self-effacing, but to Irene, he is not judgmental, fleeting, or preachy. Jean is the contrary of what she is used to. Reactions are a fundamental aspect in Priceless so the fact that Tautou and Elmaleh have such irreplaceable chemistry, and play off one another so well, is stimulating.
Working with the ultimate cast is supportive, but adept direction is the reason Priceless lands and reverberates so wonderfully. Pierre Salvadori has modernized and remained Breakfast at Tiffany’s, but has integrated irony, symbolism, and plenty of creatively uproarious scene set-ups to proper alter the time and mood. Where normal romantic comedies go to suffer and die, Salvadori and co-screenwriter Benoit Graffin embrace cliches, yet weave them into the storyline with tasty results like a fine pastry. He chews up the gorgeous atmospheric surroundings with proficiency and ease that is reminiscent of Ernst Lubitsch and Howard Hawks. His sense of graceful pacing combined with Isabelle Devinck’s editing, forms a glorious experience. Every facet is smart fresh, and joyful from the opening credits to the score composed by Camille Bazbaz.
Priceless is a case of all the correct ingredients coming together. No, Audrey Tautou is not Audrey Hepburn, and this does not contain “Moon River”, but Priceless aims to tickle the funny bone, while simultaneously touching your soul. Expect equal amounts of each, not one outweighing the other. This is a tale of class struggles and acknowledging emotions where the Eurocoin acts as a crucial device in both areas. A more rewarding and enjoyable time will not be found this Spring. The blatant errors Hollywood makes in this genre will shine at anyone upon seeing how it can be done so marvelously. Do not put a price on this ticket.
The 411: This is no doubt a limited release, but make the effort to see this when you can. Every year, a few films come out that are dying to be seen. Once was one of them in 2007, and Priceless is the best candidate so far in 2008. You are guaranteed to have a fabulous time at the movies with Audrey Tautou and Gad Elmaleh handing in hysterical and sincere performances. Director Pierre Salvadori has crafted a minor gem for anyone that loved Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Check this one out soon!
