“Fauteuils d’orchestre” and “Mon meilleur ami”, are contemporary French Films about finding oneself through others…in Paris, of course.

If I can get to our Netflix queue before my husband does, I typically load it full of the latest French films (or older ones that I haven’t yet seen). I became a fan of both “Avenue Montaigne” and “Mon meilleur ami” as soon as I viewed them. Since then, I’ve used both in myriad culture classes I’ve taught and they have become part of my personal film collection. The thematic link between the two is the notion of finding oneself, but always with the help of others.

“Mon meilleur ami” (English title: “My Best Friend”)
Directed by Patrice Leconte (2006)
“Mon meilleur ami” is the story of a self-consumed Parisian antique dealer, Francois (Daniel Auteuil), who finds himself in the lonely position of having no friends (yet trying to keep this fact a secret). His business partner challenges him to a bet; to reveal his best friend to her in 10 days. So, Francois sets about trying to find someone to pose as his best friend and ends up getting more than he bargained for. This is a tender, light-hearted film that is also infused with quite a bit of comedy. The French are known for their “special” brand of comedy, one that doesn’t always translate well to the American screen. However, the fresh comedic approach, timing and skillful acting throughout “Mon meilleur ami” are sure to make you crack a smile, even giggle a bit, I’m willing to bet.

“Fauteuils d’orchestre” (English title: “Avenue Montaigne”)
Directed by Danièle Thompson (2006)
Jessica (Cécile de France) is a spirited woman from the French countryside who comes to Paris and ends up waiting tables at a fashionable bistrot in an affluent quartier (neighborhood). Though the narrative focuses primarily on Jessica, subplots revolving around the bistrot’s clientele are skillfully woven into the film (American viewers will be entertained by Sidney Pollack’s cameo). The plot culminates with one eventful evening during which a wealthy art collector auctions off his life’s work and a conflicted classical pianist gives a concert in the auction and performance halls adjacent to the bistrot.
In addition to focusing primarily on relationships with others, both films are injected with a healthy dose of anti-materialism. Francois in “Le meilleur ami” and the art collector in “Avenue Montaigne” both choose to hold on to their relationships and memories instead of their prized belongings, a perspective many American viewers could benefit from.
Both of these films are available on Netflix and on Amazon.