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Believe it or not, from time to time, people make movies in languages other than English. Really -- they do! And if you can get used to reading the dialogue instead of listening to it, you may just find some really great movies. And not only that, but you can impress friends, family, and total strangers by telling them that you enjoy foreign films.
If you’re new to the non-English film genre (and even if you’re not), I’d suggest picking up Le Placard (or, for those who don’t speak French, The Closet). You know how even the mention of the words “foreign film” makes you break out into a cold sweat? You know how they’re often so deep and artistic and above your head? Not this one. Let me put it this way: if Ben Stiller were French, he probably would have been in this movie.
Daniel Auteuil stars as Francois Pignon, an accountant at a condom factory, who overhears a rumor that he’s going to be fired. He’s a good guy, any of his coworkers will tell you, but he’s just so... dull. So Pignon finds himself at rock-bottom. He’s losing his job. His beloved wife left him two years ago. And his 17-year-old son will barely acknowledge him. He’s about to end it all when his new neighbor stops him and comes up with a plan to save his job.
Pignon’s neighbor does a little cut-and-paste job and creates some rather graphic pictures of Pignon at a gay bar -- then anonymously sends them to Pignon’s boss. Not only is he allowed to keep his job (to keep the gay consumers happy), but Pignon’s coworkers start looking at him in a whole new light.
Meanwhile, some of Pignon’s coworkers decide to teach his loud and obnoxious coworker, Santini (played by Gerard Depardieu) a lesson. Because of the rumors that he’s about to lose his job for being closed-minded and prejudiced, Santini is forced to befriend Pignon (“the sissy”).
Le Placard is laugh-out-loud hilarious. Auteuil was perfect for the part -- just his facial expressions will make you laugh until you cry -- as was Depardieu, for that matter. It’s a great brainless comedy (as long as you’re literate), and if you can handle the subject matter (and the slight European raciness), you’ll absolutely love this film. And trust me -- after a while, you won’t even notice that you’re reading subtitles.
Then, who knows... maybe you’ll be ready for those deep and philosophical foreign films that go way above your head.
Or maybe not.
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