2008 has not been a good year for the romantic comedy. This year, fans of the genre have been treated to such worthless half-hearted attempts as What Happens In Vegas?, Fools Gold, Made of Honor, Over Her Dead Body, and most recently My Best Friend’s Girl. If romantic comedy fans are looking for something better, they only need to look overseas. Priceless may have been released in France in 2006, but it has arrived on DVD in the United States in the year we needed it the most.
Irene (Audrey Tautou) has made a living by wooing older gentlemen and becoming their companion in order to obtain the things she wants. And Irene has very rich taste. She gets these men to buy her everything from jewelry to designer clothing and handbags, and stays in grand hotels and meals at the finest restaurants. By accident, one evening she meets the mysterious Jean (Gad Elmaleh) in a hotel bar. She easily seduces him while she has another man asleep upstairs. Jean is head-over-heels smitten with Irene. When she learns that he is merely a barman at the same hotel where they met, she leaves him and continues on to finding the next man. In order to win back the girl of his dreams, Jean must impress her and beat her at her own game.
Since watching this movie, I’ve fallen in love with it. I’ve been reading a lot about it, and while most people compare it to such greats as Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Roman Holiday, there are also those who say that Irene is no more than a modernized and glamorized prostitute. Since the ultimate definition of the word “prostitute” is a woman who sells herself, then yes I suppose she is. But if Julia Roberts could win the world as the “hooker with the heart of gold,” then darn it, so can Audrey Tautou.
Tautou plays Irene with the ultimate charm and grace, her every move irresistible. It’s no question as to why so many men fall desperately in love with her. From the first frame, she captured my attention. Her acting is is as flawless as her beauty. As a woman, sometimes it’s hard to watch perfectly flawless women on screen. Somehow, Audrey Tautou is beautiful in a refreshing, natural way. Yes, she seems a little on the thin side in this film, but still she’s natural and carefree about it. Her quirkiness also adds to her charm. One scene in particular, where she’s describing the way she looks at a man in order to get his attention. It’s hysterical and true and she does it perfectly.
I was also incredibly impressed by the performance given by Gad Elmaleh (The Valet). His looks aren’t as immediately striking as Ms. Tautou’s, but as he progresses throughout the film, his subtleties make him more and more attractive. He’s incessantly charming. It’s no wonder why Irene ultimately falls for him.
To compliment the beautiful actors in this film, director Pierre Salvadori has chosen the perfect backdrop: the French Riviera. The surroundings radiate beauty. They’re almost too perfect, like the place isn’t real but in a fairy tale.
Presented in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio to take advantage of the gorgeous scenery, and in Dolby Digital Surround Sound, this DVD is a feast for the eyes. You can also choose from either English or Spanish subs. Sorry folks, no dubbed track here.
No DVD extras, except for the previews: Transsiberian, Sukiyaki Western Django, War Inc., and Paris Je T’aime
Priceless is a great little romantic comedy. It’s reminiscent of every romantic story you’ve loved, and has just the right amount of whimsy and charm. Instead of renting some of the recent romantic comedies, try this little one from France. You’ll be glad you did.
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First Look Home Entertainment presents Priceless. Directed by Pierre Salvadori. Starring Audrey Tautou, Gad Elmaleh. Written by Benoit Graffin, Pierre Salvadori. Running time: 111 minutes. Rated R. Released on DVD: November 18, 2008. Available at Amazon.
