Search - And Now Ladies & Gentlemen on DVD

A Lovely Escapist Venture

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 01/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Claude Lelouche has once again teamed with Michel Legrand to continue his examination of the vagaries of love in AND NOW LADIES & GENTLEMEN. There is a Gallic magic about Lelouche's view of love that is irresistible and this rather long film journey is no exception. Jeremy Irons is a thief who creates sophisticated heists of jewels by adopting disguises. He is jaunty, loves the beautiful things in life, and decides to spend his won money to sail a yacht on a long-dreamed journey. While at sea he has his first blackout which we later learn is due to a brain tumor. He is taken ashore in Morocco where he encounters a lounge singer (Patricia Kaas) who likewise is subject to blackouts and has strayed to Morocco after the end of an affair with a trumpet player. Together they plan a pilgrimage to a site of healing, but Irons' character is followed by the police for his jewel heists and is captured, is unable to remember his thefts, and finally is diagnosed as having a brain tumor. Postop he reconciles with his singer and makes amends for his life of crime.As with all of Lelouche's films there are episodes that blur dreamlife with reality and in this film he uses this technique to perfection. Much of what really happens is left to the individual's perception. The settings for this escapade are truly splendid - Morocco has never looked so dreamy, so dramatic, so sun-drenched and inviting. The real joy of this film are the performances of Irons and Kaas and the added pleasure of seeing old (!) faces from the past such as Claudia Cardinale - no longer the beauty she once was! Patricia Kaas is a very fine singer and her renditions of old standards take on new substance in her sensitive interpretations. The only flaw in this film is that it is filmed in both English and French and the dubbing barely matches the subtitles. That is very distracting. But forgive that and you have a film that will let you take flight - lightly as with an elegant French aperitif!"

Glorious cinematography, compelling acting

K J Foehr | Edwardsville, IL United States | 01/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the most cinematically beautiful films you will see this or any year. It is a treat for serious cinephiles; but is probably too subtle and slow for most mainstream tastes. Jeremy Irons is wonderful, as usual, and Patricia Kass is hauntingly beautiful and compelling. The story is thought provoking at times, slightly quirky, and implausible with moments of subtle humor; but it is all thoroughly enjoyable to watch. The script too is mostly perspicacious with a few memorable lines such as, "Life is a deep sleep. And love is the dream." The film is mostly in French with some English. The subtitles are easy to read on the widescreen DVD format."

Simple, Complex, Delightful

Robert Potter | Media, PA United States | 08/25/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm sorry this film disappeared from the theatres so quickly. I wanted to see it again and take my friends. The story is a new twist on the old theme of the erudite jewel thief. The balanced mixture of French and English languages was stimulating and pleasing for me. I felt the love story was just the right blend of disappointment and satisfaction. The location shooting in France and Morocco entertaining. Jeremy Irons' acting was superb. The story and dialogue over all was multi-layered and mysterious - an experience worth repeating."

SHEER PLEASURE

Gail Cooke | TX, USA | 01/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"We first saw this film in a movie theatre and we were so captivated by it that we ordered the DVD. Granted, Jeremy Irons was my impetus for going to the movie but what a treat to discover Patricia Kaas. Her voice is unbelievably beautiful plus she is a gorgeous chanteuse. The scenery, especially in Morocco, is beautiful. The minor roles are extremely well cast from a lascivious bartender to a wealthy ladies man. A well written and witty script adds to the enjoyment. Granted, the ending does seem a mite contrived but what a pleasure it was to get there."