Les Femmes

What initially appears to be a rather whimsical romantic comedy soon proves to have a lot more to offer beneath the surface. Whilst maintaining the wit and charisma of his leading characters, the Oscar-nominated director, Jean Aurel, takes us on an exploration of love, sex and commitment, which is both touching and amusing to watch.

Clara, played charmingly by Bardot, applies for a job as secretary to a successful writer, renowned for chronicling his womanising past. However, Ronet’s narcissistic yet endearing Jérome, who has been suffering from a severe case of writer’s block, is in need of much more than a secretary. The beautiful Clara is employed on the basis that she will do ‘anything a woman can do for a man.’ But Jérome gets a lot more than he bargained for when the young lady turns out to be increasingly wily behind the coquettish facade. As the two strangers embark on a trip together, his stories begin to flow and sparks begin to fly, as it would appear that Clara is exactly the inspiration he has been lacking thus far.

Sometimes frank, sometimes ironic, this film guides us through some interesting musings on men, women and the intimacies they share. The witty ‘battle of the sexes’ repartee is delivered with perfect comic timing, complemented by an art direction executed with style and finesse.

Cert. 15