The Suitor Reviews

The first feature-length film to be directed by comedian/illusionist Etaix, who claims artistic kinship with silent comedian Harry Langdon, is a joy. Etaix also stars as the studious son of Peronne, who expresses concern about his reclusive habits, urging him to meet and marry an appropriate young woman. Hoping to please his mother, he instantly proposes to the convenient Vesely, a boarder from Sweden who is attempting to learn the French language. Unsuccessful in her linguistic efforts, she fails to comprehend the substance of his suit; thinking himself rejected, he journeys out into the world of the night, where he meets lush Ligneres. As eager for amour as he, the bibulous beauty entices Etaix to her apartment, where she attempts to seduce him. During this deviltry, he spies the gorgeous face of Arnell on Ligneres' television screen. Freeing himself from the latter's embraces, he races home to concentrate on his new video sweetheart, the rage of all Paris. He collects mementos and published pictures of Arnell and purchases an engagement ring for this yet unmet compulsion. Tricking his way into her dressing room, he is dismayed to discover that she is wed, with a son his own age. Returning home to resume his lonely life, he discovers that Vesely has applied herself to her study of the language and now recognizes his proposal for what it was. She accepts. Etaix had good training in comedy; he served as an assistant to Jacques Tati during the filming of MY UNCLE in 1958. His short THE ANNIVERSARY (1962) won an Academy Award.