Gérard Depardieu stars in this film as an oafish man named Germain. Germain is not a bad man--just a VERY socially awkward and uneducated man of about 60. When he happens to meet a very elderly woman, the title character played by Gisèle Casadesus, they strike up a very unlikely friendship. They both visit each other in the park and she reads to him--and from very difficult works such as a novel by Albert Camus. However, Germaine has some difficulty following her, as he's uneducated and practically illiterate. But, over time, he grows and becomes more self-confident--and really grows to love Margueritte. What comes next, I'll leave for you to see--I'd hate to spoil it, and there are so many wonderful and lovely twists and turns.
While this is NOT a blockbuster sort of film packed with excitement, chases and sex, it is a magnificent little film if you are patient and give it a chance. The script is NOT what you would expect based on what I told you above--there are many unusual twists that threw me off guard. There also were MANY wonderfully touching moments that brought me to tears towards the end. Despite a VERY strong career with some magnificent films to his credit, this is my favorite Depardieu film--and I've seen far more than you'd ever expect from a non-Frenchman. There is a gentleness and depth that is captivating and the script gives him and other characters a lot of chance to explore their characters and act. The film also has some wonderful things to say about love that make it one of a kind. And, in a VERY odd way, the film is somewhat reminiscent, believe it or not, of "Harold and Maude"--though clearly "My Afternoons with Margueritte" is NOT a comedy and lacks the overall weirdness of "Harold and Maude". But, it more than makes up for it with charm. See this film!
By the way, Casadesus was in her mid to late 90s when she made this film and she just celebrated her 98th birthday! I love that such a vibrant older actress hasn't just been left to rot and waste all her talents--and I hope to see more from her.
While this is NOT a blockbuster sort of film packed with excitement, chases and sex, it is a magnificent little film if you are patient and give it a chance. The script is NOT what you would expect based on what I told you above--there are many unusual twists that threw me off guard. There also were MANY wonderfully touching moments that brought me to tears towards the end. Despite a VERY strong career with some magnificent films to his credit, this is my favorite Depardieu film--and I've seen far more than you'd ever expect from a non-Frenchman. There is a gentleness and depth that is captivating and the script gives him and other characters a lot of chance to explore their characters and act. The film also has some wonderful things to say about love that make it one of a kind. And, in a VERY odd way, the film is somewhat reminiscent, believe it or not, of "Harold and Maude"--though clearly "My Afternoons with Margueritte" is NOT a comedy and lacks the overall weirdness of "Harold and Maude". But, it more than makes up for it with charm. See this film!
By the way, Casadesus was in her mid to late 90s when she made this film and she just celebrated her 98th birthday! I love that such a vibrant older actress hasn't just been left to rot and waste all her talents--and I hope to see more from her.