My Best Friend (Leconte, 2007)

Star Review

Daniel Auteuil stars as François, a frosty antiques dealer who lacks a best friend in his life. When a colleague has a bet with him that he cannot produce his made-up best friend and prove he understands the meaning of friendship, he travels around Paris looking for old pals whom he can pass off as his ‘meilleur ami’, but all are reluctant. Unexpectedly, he strikes up a rapport with Bruno (Dany Boon), a taxi driver, who agrees to teach François how to make friends by learning the ‘Three S’s’ – being sociable, smiling and sincere.

Leconte, a director best known for serious drama (Intimate strangers, Ridicule) rather than frothy comedy, transforms what could have been a mere buddy picture into a moving film in which the importance of adult friendship is highlighted through humorous scenes and unexpectedly poignant moments. The film manages to make its point – that true friendship can be the ultimate reward in life – without resort to schmaltz, and ends with in a delightful denouement set around the French version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

Rena Markogiannaki on 17th August 2007

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Film Description

Leconte's highly enjoyable comedy delivers the laughs thanks to skilled performances and a clever premise. When a woman grows suspicious of her arrogant, self-centred business partner's constant references to a best friend she's never seen, she calls his bluff and requests an introduction. Scrambling to find a 'best friend' quickly, Francois settles on a chatty cabbie. Can he fulfil the role?

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Film Details

Cast

Julie Gayet, Daniel Auteuil, Dany Boon

Technical Details