A wealthy art director's bored wife no longer finds him as vital and exciting as when they first met and married. She informs him that she doesn't love him anymore, and has found someone new who fulfills her. Rather than screams and tantrums, or even a big fight, the husband (Julian) asks about the new lover (Stefan) and in which ways he differs from himself.
He then sets out to win his wife back by, intentionally or subconsciously, turning Stefan into himself and, hopefully, in the process showing his wife that the dullness she ascribes to his engagements with work over life are, in fact, the consequences of striving to support and keep her in the manner to which she is accustomed.
The majority of comment on this brilliant little film focuses on the nature of men, which is only natural given the title and the fact that it's directed by a woman. However, I believe that the film also advances a radical argument with respect to women: they inspire carefree romance in men, but also inspire the soul-eating corporate indenture that leaves men mere husks of themselves.
That women are regarded as possessions and prizes is made explicit in the final sequence of the film (which is both so absurd and such genius that it would be a crime for me to ruin it) in the way Stefan and Julius resolve the conflict between them. That women are the root of this competitiveness as well as the reason why men gradually lose their luster is also argued in the readiness with which Stefan takes to Julian's suggestions and in Paula's ultimate decision.
Not really groundbreaking stuff of itself, but a position almost never taken by comedies of the sexes, just another reason why this film is a true cinematic gem.
He then sets out to win his wife back by, intentionally or subconsciously, turning Stefan into himself and, hopefully, in the process showing his wife that the dullness she ascribes to his engagements with work over life are, in fact, the consequences of striving to support and keep her in the manner to which she is accustomed.
The majority of comment on this brilliant little film focuses on the nature of men, which is only natural given the title and the fact that it's directed by a woman. However, I believe that the film also advances a radical argument with respect to women: they inspire carefree romance in men, but also inspire the soul-eating corporate indenture that leaves men mere husks of themselves.
That women are regarded as possessions and prizes is made explicit in the final sequence of the film (which is both so absurd and such genius that it would be a crime for me to ruin it) in the way Stefan and Julius resolve the conflict between them. That women are the root of this competitiveness as well as the reason why men gradually lose their luster is also argued in the readiness with which Stefan takes to Julian's suggestions and in Paula's ultimate decision.
Not really groundbreaking stuff of itself, but a position almost never taken by comedies of the sexes, just another reason why this film is a true cinematic gem.