Another French quickie.

Ma femme est une actrice (2001) 

Directed by Yvan Attal

Starring Charlotte Gainsbourg, Yvan Attal, Terence Stamp

A relationship drama with a humorously dark edge set in and around the film industry. 

Charlotte is a popular French actress, her husband Yvan is a sportswriter and enjoys some of the fringe benefits of his wifes fame. Unfortunately he is also jealous of his wife, the constant bombardment of fans asking for her autograph plus the fact that she can book restaurant tables immediately whereas if he rings, hes told there wont be one available for hours really start to niggle him.

The opinions of other men concerning Charlottes on screen nudity push all the wrong buttons with Yvan. That and the fact that shell be filming in London with an actor who turns womens legs to jelly (Terence Stamp?) cause Yvan to jump to all the wrong conclusions.

A secondary story runs throughout the film concerning Yvans sister, her husband and the child shes carrying. Shes Jewish but he isnt, they are having a little disagreement on certain things that will affect the baby if it is a boy.

Needless to say, this is a comedy and everything ends on a happy note but you have to wonder, Yvan Attal wrote, directed and took the lead role, his partner was/is Charlotte Gainsbourg in real life as well as on screen. How much of this story has a basis in reality (at least in terms of his thoughts and feelings), when it comes down to it, probably quite a lot. 

Nothing earthshaking or groundbreaking but a humorous look into the world of film and fame and its effects on relationships.

Cheers Trev.

BBFC rated 15

R2 dvd released by Pathe, extras include deleted scenes and behind the scenes.