The plot is a familiar subterfuge with Auteuil in the driver’s seat as the rich lout who can’t do easy things right. He needs good natured straight man Boon and extremely sexy Julie Gayet (as business partner Catherine) to show him the way.
Will he do the right thing, or will he not? In “Valet” he ends up the sore loser and the film is funnier for it. “Friend” ends in a more thoughtful tone and although sending a more poignant message, is still another “close but no cigar.”
Auteuil plays François Coste, an accomplished art dealer who sees his opportunities and takes them. He knows all there is to know about antiques and has made a fortune with them. His most recent acquisition is a stunning Egyptian vase that his business can ill afford, but he buys it anyway. The business is hurting, the creditors are at the door, but he will find a way. He always does.
But he doesn’t have a friend. Which is odd, because everyone else in this flick has friends. In fact, they are horsing around and drinking like a series of Budweiser commercials. We expect to see a football game in there somewhere, and, sure enough, there it is---the true mark of male bonding.
As for the females, Catherine hosts a gratuitous lesbian relationship that shows she has at least one friend. The others she tells us about, so we know they are there.
Enter taxi driver Bruno Bouley (Boon), not too far removed from his “Valet” part and every bit as good natured and gullible. The thing is, Coste needs a friend because he has a bet with Catherine that he has to produce a “best friend” in ten days or she gets to keep the vase. The search is on and, presto, in walks nurdly Bruno who is apparently in need of a friend himself. A match made in film-heaven.
Unfortunately, unlike his part in “Valet,” Boon’s acting in the film is forced. He never quite seems to find himself in his part. He says the lines, but his expressions can’t summon up the idiot-savant that the part seems to be written around. Eventually he lucks into a position on a TV quiz show. His Nervous Nelly antics on the show are downright painful to watch. At that point the plot has a lot to offer, but the entire house of cards falls down and we are left with a predictable and not entirely satisfying ending.
The story by Olivier Dazat, director Leconte and Jérôme Tonnerre has a few intriguing twists. It is not quite as simple as it seems, but almost so. The end result is a mediocre, if good natured, comedy film to pass the time away.
Completely PG-13 rated and so a good first date flick with an upbeat soundtrack, great production and wonderful, cozy French bar scenes where everybody is just totally together.
Foreign but not too shocking or controversial.
My Best Friend (Mon meilleur ami)
Limited USA release, July 13, 2007. MPAA: Rated PG-13 for some strong language
Your Talkback on this Story