Film Reviews

Summer Things

• Rating:
• Director: Michel Blanc
• Starring: Carole Bouquet
• Details: Fra / 103 mins / (15PG).

Adapted from Joseph Connolly's book, Summer Things is a rambling, densely populated ensemble comedy drama, predominantly set in the provincial French resort of Le Touquet. That's where Elizabeth (Rampling) goes on holidays without her unfaithful husband Bernard (Dutronc) who is spending time with his lover, while her daughter (Doillon) has gone on holidays to America with a secret boyfriend. For her week away, Elizabeth brings her single mother, self absorbed friend Julie (Courau), who is desperate for romance. A neighbouring family also show up, but besieged by financial woes, they have to stay in less than ideal accommodation. Led by the haughty mother (Viard), they're far too proud to admit to their situation. Other guests at the hotel include a couple (Blanc and Bouquet) having difficulties and a serial philanderer (Elbaz).
For a film with so many different characters, Blanc maintains an admirable grip on the narrative and keeps things moving in pleasantly engaging fashion. The pacing might be fine, but the tone feels a little uneven as, despite the warm, almost screwball, exterior, there's a darker undercurrent as Blanc is intent on asking difficult questions to which there are no easily digestible answers.
His attempts to tie absolutely everything up in the overwrought finale are a little ill-concieved but for the most part, Summer Things remains an enjoyable offering.

Review by Garreth Murphy