French Cinema Now (October 24 - 30)

The fifth annual French Cinema Now is starting this Wednesday. For an entire week, you can expect exciting works from both new and established French filmmakers. Moreover, you'll see the lovely Isabelle Huppert, Léa Seydoux, and Noémie Lvovsky grace the silver screen. Here are a few favorite picks:

Stephane Robelin's "All Together," playing at French Cinema Now. Courtesy of San Francisco Film Society.

 

Both Jane Fonda and Geraldine Chaplin star in French-speaking roles in Stephane Robelin's "All Together" (Ei Si On Vivait Tous Ensemble?). A dramedy about a group of elderly friends moving in with each other, the group attempts to establish a harmonious vie quotidienne while struggling with the complicated dilemmas of aging. Vivacious and perky as ever, Fonda sparkles in her role of a dying wife. German heartthrob Daniel Bruhl also stars as the young anthropologist who documents their new living arrangements.

Isabelle Huppert and Benoit Poelvoorde in "My Worse Nightmare"

Sparks fly between Isabelle Huppert and Benoit Poelvoorde in Anne Fontaine's "My Worse Nightmare" (Mon Pire Cauchemar). A satire designed to poke fun at the Parisian bourgeoisie, the elegant Huppert nails the role of an uptight gallerist whose glamorous life is abruptly invaded by a Belgian construction worker. Poelvoorde does a hilarious portrayal of the boorish Patrick, a far cry from his role in "Romantics Anonymous." If you have to choose one film to watch from the festival, make this one your first choice.

Corinne Masiero in "Louise Wimmer.""Louise Wimmer" is an alarming look at how the global financial crisis is affecting the average French citizen. After her marriage ended, Louise is forced to sleep and live in her car while trudging through low-paying cleaning jobs. She hides her situation from her family and continues to pawn her belongings in an attempt to fight off mounting debt. Corinne Masiero’s performance aches with desperation and raw emotion, leaving the audience to contemplate one's survival during the world's current economic condition.

FRENCH CINEMA NOW
October 24–30
Landmark's Embarcadero Center Cinema

Tickets are available at www.sffs.org/Exhibition/SF-Film-Society-Cinema/French-Cinema-Now.