C’est
la vie!
In a life of a geography teacher Jean Douléan everything apparently goes wrong: his
mistress leaves him; he faces a possibility of unemployment and he can’t
understand his eighteen-years old daughter Isabelle. His daughter «falls in
love every five minutes», wants to drop out of the medical school and considers
moving in with her boyfriend…
There are cases, when you read the synopsis of a film
and it leaves an impression of a banal watching experience. Nevertheless,
during the watch you enjoy this film, because of the directing, acting or
something else. Sadly, it happens quite rare, but one of these films is «The
Slap».
Claude Pinoteau shot «The Slap» as an occurring life
story. He doesn’t darkens the mood or put too much melodrama. The film draws
parallels from your own life or your acquaintances. This reality was made
possible by the fine acting.
Before «The Slap» I saw Lino Venture only as a policeman
or gangster. That is why, I was skeptical about this role of Lino Ventura. This
film helped me to rediscover this actor – he had convincingly portrayed a
strict, but caring father, who tries to connect with his daughter and get his
life together.
«The Slap» contains the first big cinematic role of
Isabelle Adjani. Isabelle Douléan could be described by one word – a hurricane.
Of course, Hurricane Isabelle Douléan cannot be compared with the Category 1 Hurricanes
Anna and Camille Claudel, but it is definitely the Category 3. Isabelle Douléan
is never calm or constant. In an irresponsible sloven Isabelle Douléan you see
the future great roles of Isabelle Adjani. Sadly, Isabelle Adjani did not act
much in comedies, but she was brilliant in them as in the drama roles.
The secondary roles were also brilliant. Annie
Girardot as a selfish mother of Isabelle. Francis Perrin as a pain-in-the-ass
boyfriend. Jacques Spiesser as a secret admirer of Isabelle; the list goes on
and on.
«The Slap» is a kind and cute comedy, which was also
the springboard for Isabelle Adjani. All those who love French comedies and
especially Isabelle Adjani fans, should immediately watch this.
7/10
