Reviews

In the DVD commentary, Pascal Greggory and the director state that this is not a comedy about bisexuality, it is a comedy about sexuality and choices. This is so true. Alain faces the choices we all face. Does he choose the person who is more like a partner than a romance? Does he choose the younger, eager lover who offers little more than sex? Does he choose to pursue the yet-to-be-obtained intriguing person he has recently met? A few other peripheral choices also hover nearby. But even more basic questions are asked: Does he have to choose? Can he choose more than one option? Will any choice make him completely happy if it cancels out all the others? This film made me reflect on these questions and choices in my own life, which is exactly what a good film should do. I think anyone who is over 30 and unmarried should be able to relate to Alain, at least on this level.

A few reviewers have asked why so many characters are attracted to the narcissistic, emotionally remote Alain, but in my experience, it is often just this type of person who has many people attracted to him. For some, he is a challenge. For others, he is safely unattainable. For yet others, he is someone who will hurt them (which they expect), or who won't be hurt too much if they leave him. Alain mirrors the other characters' loneliness back to them, and one wonders if any of them would be happy if they ended up being Alain's choice – and if he could ever stick with that choice.

If you're happily content in a stable, long-lasting relationship, then you will see this film as a comedy about things that happen to other people. But if your heart still has the capacity to lead you in directions you don't expect, this film will have greater meaning for you.

My favorite character was Pascal Greggory's performance as the Duke of Alençon. He brings such an energy to the role, helping highlight the stressed-out intensity of Joan and the smirky smarminess of the Dauphin/King. He made me want to ride into battle alongside him. To arms! To arms!

Highlander fans may also recognize Richard Ridings (La Hire) as one of Highlander's Four Horsemen (Silas).

I read that the American test audiences for this movie 1.) didn't want Joan to be burned at the end and suggested a re-write where she lives, and 2.) weren't sure where the movie was taking place. Has education really gone that far down the tubes in this country?

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