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5 out of 7 people found the following review useful: As Le Monde said in their review - if this film was a drink it would be Pink Champagne, 6 December 2003 Author: sunlightpictures (sunlightpictures@aol.com) from London, England
I watched this film knowing going in that it was a French Farce with a stellar cast that have become synonymous with Merchant Ivory productions. I was laughing all the way through - its ham in place, camp in others, self deprecating and in many ways a complete parody of what you'd expect from Merchant Ivory.Andrew Litvack the writer/director has come up with some cracking lines of dialogue on has put all his "low budget" on the screen. He pulls performances out of cast that befits a good comedy. Jane Birkin is neurotically funny, Jerry Hall proves she can act, Vanessa Redgrave is killer with one particular put down line delivered with expert self effacement at a crucial point in the story, Simon Callow does what he does best, Dianne Wiest is incredible as an Opera Diva and when she smokes a j with one of her Parisienne friends I giggle like a stoner, Stanislas Merhar playing her son, is mesmirisingly good looking and typically French in demeanour throughout - extracting some humour just facial expressions alone.An English speaking film shot in France, directed by an American with some witty French dialogue added to the mix and this film is for all comers - the Merchant Ivory crowd will love the casting, the Opera crowd will love the costumes, the younger crowd will love the plot twists which keep you guessing.Look out for the funniest visual gag in a movie that I've seen in a good while - it involves a dress that Jane Birkin wears. Its pure Gene Wilder. There's Woody Allenesque moments and a touch of Robert Altman - the use of Paris reminded me of his film Beyond Therapy - another good intelligent comedy. Loved it. Gonna learn French......
8 out of 13 people found the following review useful: Even Better Seen Again!, 5 May 2004 Author: trlrtrax from Beverly Hills
My wife and I saw this for the third time at the Miami Gay & Lesbian Festival, although it's not really a "gay" film as some would expect. While it is painted on a backdrop about a gay young man, this is a classic murder comedy in the best European tradition, from a writer/director with a tremendous future. Andrew Litvack has created a fresh, original, funny and mature screenplay and populated it with wonderful onscreen talent guided with a sure and confident hand. What was amazing to me is that every time I have seen this film, I find more wonderful surprises in subtle looks, photos on the wall, costumes, etc. Normally I do not have the patience to sit through a film twice, let alone three times! I will be pleased if offered the opportunity to see it again. It's truly a wonderful film.
5 out of 8 people found the following review useful: And thank YOU, Andrew Litvak!, 19 August 2005 Author: talltale-1 from Jackson Heights, NY
With a cast this good--and diverse--and a director who may not know how (or care) to produce standard comedy effects but clearly understands how to give good performers their best chance, MERCI DOCTEUR REY will probably become one of those movies that 10 per cent of us call classic and the other 90 loathe. Count me among the 10.A low-key paean to the delights of narcissism and diva-dom and a clever rap on the knuckles of sloppy psychotherapy, "Merci" brings together Dianne Wiest as an opera-star mom, her adorable son (Stanislas Merhar of "Dry Cleaning" fame), Jane Birkin as the titular shrink's patient, Bulle Ogier as an opera director, Simon Callow as "the man" and a great cameo from Vanessa Redgrave. (Even Jerry Hall seems at home in this illustrious company!) Writer/director Andrew Litvak has assembled a screw-ball comedy where the chuckles start small; if you're still there by film's ends (it has around four of them, but since three are hilarious, you won't mind), you may be sporting a grin as wide as your face.The biggest gem among these actor jewels is Jane Birkin. Is there another performer who can use her gawky, horsey charm to such wonderful effect? Don't think so. The "wallflower" scene alone is worth a world of lesser movies. Merchant/Ivory-produced, the film didn't even make it into specialized release (though it appears to have been popular at certain film festivals). Thank god for DVDs!
6 out of 10 people found the following review useful: Genius, 30 September 2004 Author: purple_frances from London UK
I went to see it because the reviews were so mixed - I couldn't resist. And I have to say I was very impressed. For all the people who complain about the (gloriously) contrived plot, I would like to point out that it's certainly no more implausible than Bunuel or Almodovar, and I doubt that people would level the same accusations at them. For some reason it seems that it's fine to explain nothing in a film, but unpardonable to explain things via outrageous coincidence.If you like 'quirky' French films, knowing in-jokes, and Paris then you should go and see this film. But on the other hand, if you're an old curmudgeon whose disbelief couldn't be suspended with industrial lifting equipment then stay away.PS Though I do agree about the cheeky poster... It's full of blink-and-you'll-miss-it-cameos!
7 out of 12 people found the following review useful: No merci!, 4 August 2005 Author: hprice-jr from Toronto
One can only sit in utter amazement at this mess of a film and be amused at some of the raves people have bestowed upon it. The biggest problem seems to be the director's inability to make up his mind as to whether it's black comedy, farce or a combination of both. It meanders all over the place in search of direction and has some utterly embarrassing performances that might be better suited to bad sitcom. What a shame to see the talented Dianne Wiest's comic talents squandered and the ever annoying Jane Birkin is so over the top she's more bothersome than usual.Perhaps a lot of the positive criticism is due to the "quirky French" nature of the film - therefore, it's labeled "smart" or "genius." It's neither. Instead it's bad tripe that leaves a rather rancid after-taste. Merchant-Ivory should stick to the serious stuff as they certainly have no comprehension of comedy.
2 out of 3 people found the following review useful: a first film to be reckoned with, 22 October 2003 Author: juice31
My partner and I went with a whole group of friends to see "Merci Docteur Rey" at the Reel Affirmations Film Festival (in Washington) and we all left the theatre fully in the film's thrall. It is not a `faux French farce' at all - because it's not a French farce! The director is American and although he gets the Paris stuff perfectly right, `Paris' is no more than a backdrop, a set piece. The interiors all look like they were shot in studio anyway. It's in a world of its own. Elegant. Sort of like early Blake Edwards. More much more `American' than `French', though - more a screwball comedy than a Feydeau farce! What a smart script. Couldn't hear half the lines because the crowd was laughing so loud. Hard to believe it's the director's first movie - it has a mature look and style.
4 out of 7 people found the following review useful: original and entertaining, 21 February 2004 Author: trapperjohn from berlin, germany
This movie is a true original and very entertaining. We have not seen anything like it before and will probably not see anything like it again until the director makes his second film. Very well-acted, handsomely directed and shot, clever use of sets and costumes. Bulle Ogier is as good as in her films by Rivette, Bunuel, Fassbinder, Tanner, Schroeder and the great Werner S. Wiest, Birkin and Merhar are excellent.Uproarious cameos by Vanessa Redgrave and Jerry Hall. If only Merchant-Ivory (the producers) would take risks like this more often!
4 out of 7 people found the following review useful: A HILARIOUS MADCAP ROMP, 20 February 2004 Author: ken-439 from stratham NH
This movie is so damn funny I almost - pardon the expression - peed in my pants, especially the wallpaper scene, which is destined to become a classic comedy scene. Kudos to Jane Birkin, Dianne Wiest and first-time director Andrew Litvak for giving us an hour and a half of unadulterated fun!
1 out of 2 people found the following review useful: "faux farce"? give me a break, S.V.P!, 19 October 2003 Author: Rob W from Washington, DC
We saw "Merci, Docteur Rey" last night (10/18/2003) at Reel Affirmations, the DC GLBT Film Fest (say that 10 times fast), and thought it was one of the most delightful screwball comedies ever made. Judging by audience reaction, we were not alone. It's a stretch to say that there are "intricate" plot twists; however, if you want a combination of Tracy & Hepburn with Lucy & Ricky, and then have the Monty Python gang thrown in along with Inspector Clouseau, then don't miss Docteur Rey.
1 out of 2 people found the following review useful: Something for Everyone, 29 July 2003 Author: Anna Niedelman (ophelia646) from Atlantic City, New Jersey
Merci Andrew Litvack for giving us the most laughs we've had at a film in a long time. French-American-Gay-Straight-Farce-Romance-Murder Mystery- in short, a film with something for everyone. What could a dizzy diva brilliantly played by Diane Weist, her confused son played by Stanislas Merhar, a dizzy dubber hilariously played by Jane Birkin, a dead psychiatrist, rent boys, and gay guys have in common ? See this film to find out! In fact, see it twice because you will miss some of the lines the first time due to the audience laughter. Great music, beautiful sets, and fabulous cameo appearances by Simon Callow and Vanessa Redgrave add to a nearly perfect movie. If this is Andrew Litvack first effort we can't wait to see what he has in store for us in the future.
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