Sat, 04/21/2007 - 12:00pm

What might be thought of as a French version of a Meg Ryan romantic comedy, Avenue Montaigne offers a slice-of-life look into the lives of several extraordinary and not-so extraordinary people who are all struggling with life crises ranging from infidelity to disillusionment with one's own remarkable musical gift. The movie is set in modern-day Paris. A young girl, Jessica, who moves into the city from a small town, takes a job waiting tables at an unexceptional yet very significant brasserie. Located on Avenue Montaigne, the brasserie is the only outpost on a block littered with theatres, concert halls and the home of one very famous art collector. Jessica is given the job, normally reserved for men only, in light of the fact that the owner is down two waiters on sick leave with one of the busiest nights of all coming – opening night. The climax of the movie is opening night for both a famous concert pianist as well as for a popular soap-opera-gone-stage actress. It is also the same night as the auction of one art collector’s entire multimillion dollar collection. In the days leading up to this one eventful evening, Jessica gets a vignette view of the many talented and famous people who frequent the brasserie and learns that although moving to the big city is tough, its certainly worth the effort.

The movie, much like Jessica’s lesson, may very well be worth the effort to see. Although there is a slight tendency to feel campy, and the Jessica character could have used a bit more dimension to counteract her very blatant yet aloof innocence, the movie makes up for what it lacks in by indulging the audience in very personal storylines, namely, a love triangle between a father and son, an actress desperate to do anything for a part, and a marriage on the rocks. Perhaps the most endearing and certainly most entertaining story is told by the famed concert pianist Jean-Francois who’s moving music is featured prominently throughout and who’s wisdom about love and the truly important facets of life speak wonders to others around him who are wrapped up in the destructive and endless cycle of snobbery disguised as sophistication. If there is anything Daniéle Thompson’s Avenue Montaigne does not have however, it is snobbery. This truly bashful look at life humbles us all and provides recourse for all who watch an arena to imagine a life for ourselves more extraordinary than we thought possible.

A great date movie, "Avenue Montaigne" is playing at the E Street Cinema. For show times please consult http://www.landmarktheatres.com/Market/WashingtonDC/WashingtonDC_Frameset.htm

About the author
Yasmin Tasan has been living in Washington, DC since 2001. She studied art history in college and is committed to furthering her understanding of fine art through the exploration of the many unique and interesting shows and exhibits Washington continually offers. When not roaming the halls of a museum you can most likely find her exploring a new or favorite restaurant with friends, running in Rock Creek Park or making a fool of herself at Bikram yoga.

Categories:

• Theater and Cinema