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2008 Festival Feature Films (March 28-30)

French actor Thierry Lhermitte presents the North American premiere of L’Invité

director Laurent Bouhnik screenplay David Pharao adapted from the play L’Invité by David Pharao, published by L’Avant Scène théâtre producers Maurice Illouz, Pierre-Ange Le Pogam starring Daniel Auteuil, Valérie Lemercier, Thierry Lhermitte, Hippolyte Girardot running time 1 h 22 min although not rated, parental guidance suggested

Synopsis

Fifty years old, three years out of work, unemployment insurance about to run out … Gérard is at the end of his rope when a new job comes up in Indonesia. To win the favor of his new employer, Gérard invites him over for dinner.

Fatal error! Terrified at the idea of not being up to scratch, his wife Colette begs Alexandre, their neighbor, to help them. A communications guru, Alexandre rises to the challenge and gives the couple a new look in 24 hours. Their apartment, decor, lifestyle, dinner menu, outfits, general culture — everything goes through the mill! Twists and turns, dramatic turns of events, blunders and unexpected incidents … it’s all a hectic mess until, completely on edge, at the end of their tether, wracked with anxiety, our couple finally opens the door to their guest.

director
Laurent Bouhnik

actor
Thierry Lhermitte

actress/director
Valérie Lemercier

actor
Daniel Auteuil

“Cover letter” of Laurent Bouhnik (director)

At a time when I wanted to make a film for a laugh, in the literal sense of the term, I was struck while reading the script of L’Invité. I found this play particularly intelligent and I immediately wanted to direct it, especially because it dealt with touching characters within a funny story.

For me, coming from a darker world and writing only very tormented things, this script is the perfect opportunity to talk about a serious theme with levity, thereby reaching the most people. Because the message of this comedy is extremely serious, to my mind the idea is to make a film about humiliation — in our society, what humiliations must we suffer in our lives? It is far from simple “pie in the face” humor or a silly school kid comedy.

In order to draft this script, I plan to use two sources of inspiration: British comedy, for its sense of rhythm and the wealth of its musical universe, and Italian comedy, for an image on the border between realism and the imaginary. To give examples, I especially appreciate the success of the emotional moments in “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” but also the slightly excessive image of “Ugly Dirty and Bad.”

I will therefore put great emphasis on the sets and costumes. One need only see the films of Pedro Almodovar or Tim Burton to understand how much the clothes and sets can reflect the psychology of a character. I will therefore endeavor for this apartment to evoke a feeling of a ’70s world that was never modernized, which sensation will be accentuated by the choice of wardrobe. I will seek a true synergy between the artistic elements and the actors’ dramatic art.

Lastly, I am quite aware, given the nature of the original play, of what strategies to avoid — not to do just filmed theater, and to make the viewer forget the action takes place in a single location. For this, I intend to implement a variety of angle shots.

Mock job interview of Thierry Lhermitte (actor)

What is your reason for applying for this role?
I felt it would be a good opportunity to have an enjoyable time with very talented actors on a very agreeable text.

What do you think you can contribute to this film?
My perfect diction.

What training have you had?
No diploma, in-house training.

What previous experience do you have in the field of comedy?
Twenty-five years of defending scripts of varying quality.

What do you know about the film’s director?
He wears a cap.

How are you most suited for the role?
I know my lines very well.

Your weakest point?
I have a hard time pronouncing X’s.

What experience has most marked your career?
My acting prize in Bulgaria, Levdev for best actor in 1985 for Miroslav Pasticcio.

Do you enjoy working as a team?
I adore teams.

Do you know how to say no?
Whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Can you define yourself in a few words?
I am a valuable and punctual collaborator.

What are your salary requirements?
Indexed on the price of cocoa.

Professionally, where do you see yourself in five years?
I’m hoping for an honorable late career with a progressively scaled-back workload so that I may join a club for retired people.