Quelques jours avec moi (1988)

In 1988, the maestro of French cinema, Claude Sautet, known for his subtle psychological insight and attention to human relationships, presented the audience with the comedy "A Few Days with Me". This film offers an unusual perspective on the dynamics of power and desire, cloaking serious themes in a seemingly lighthearted genre. Sautet, whose works were often distinguished by their deep character development and nuanced emotional states, here takes on material full of potential for ironic observations and unexpected revelations, promising not just laughter, but also food for thought.

Plot (no spoilers)

At the center of the story is Limoges, the influential president of a large supermarket chain, a man who seemingly has everything. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he passionately falls in love with a young woman working in a modest position as an assistant manager in one of his stores. In a surge of feeling, or perhaps a dominant desire, Limoges makes her an incredible offer: to live with him, promising in return to fulfill her every wish, every dream. This deal, balancing on the edge of romance and cynicism, becomes the starting point for a cascade of events, revealing the characters' personalities and their ideas of happiness, love, and independence.

Why it's worth watching

• Claude Sautet's signature style in comedy: It's rare to see a director renowned for his subtle dramas explore the comedic genre. Sautet brings his unique perspective on character psychology and interaction to this story, promising a comedy that is not primitive, but filled with meaning and observation.
• Intriguing premise: Limoges's offer creates a captivating dramatic situation. It's not just a romantic setup, but a kind of social experiment where love and material well-being collide head-on.
• Exploration of human relationships: The film makes you ponder the nature of dependence and freedom in relationships, what happens when one side holds immense power and the other only their feelings and dreams.
• Atmosphere of 80s French cinema: "A Few Days with Me" offers an immersion into the aesthetic and mood of late 80s French cinema, which is a value in itself for connoisseurs.
• Ensemble cast led by Daniel Auteuil: The film features a number of talented actors, among whom Daniel Auteuil stands out, whose presence always guarantees expressive and memorable performances, adding depth and charisma to the characters.

Themes

"A Few Days with Me" masterfully touches upon themes of power and submission in personal relationships, exploring how money and social status influence love and attachment. The film ponders whether sincere affection can arise from an unequal exchange, and what the price of "fulfilling all wishes" truly is. It raises questions of true happiness, independence, and self-determination, as well as the complexity of finding a genuine connection in a world where material wealth often distorts human aspirations. It's a story about the collision of naivety and experience, the desire to be loved and the desire to possess.

Verdict

"A Few Days with Me" is not a typical lighthearted comedy, but rather an ironic and intelligent reflection on human nature, cloaked in the form of an unpretentious narrative. Under Claude Sautet's direction, the film promises the viewer not only moments of laughter but also an opportunity to look at the eternal questions of love, power, and choice through the prism of unique, elegant French humor. This is a film for those who appreciate intellectual comedies with deep undertones, capable of both entertaining and prompting reflection. A true find for connoisseurs of French cinema and Sautet's work.