La Belle Époque

Past, present, fact and fantasy collide in this witty French farce starring Daniel Auteuil and Fanny Ardant.

Victor (Daniel Auteuil) and Marianne’s (Fanny Ardant) 40-year marriage is on life-support. His complete refusal to engage with the modern world and her low tolerance for boredom have pushed the pair further apart until their separation feels like a relief.

Thoroughly exasperated with the 21st century and the hand it has dealt him, Victor jumps at the chance to recreate a moment from his youth – an elaborate theatrical service offered by his son’s friend Antoine (Guillaume Canet). Cue the sights, smells and sounds of a charming little bar in Lyon, 1974 – where Victor and Marianne first met. In this recreation, the role of Marianne is played by actress Margot (Doria Tillier), further complicating matters by way of her on-again, off-again relationship with director Antoine.

As Victor rediscovers his zest for life through repeated visits to “1974”, the line between Marianne and Margot begins to blur, prompting both hilarity and heartbreak.

Filmmaker Nicolas Bedos effortlessly directs a fantastic ensemble cast in this clever, high-concept romantic comedy. La Belle Époque premiered out of competition at Cannes and took home three César Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Fanny Ardant for her sharp-tongued portrayal of Marianne.