A Couch in New York (1996)
"Un divan à New York" (original title)

Dr. Henry Harriston is a successful psychoanalyst in New York City. When he is near a nervous breakdown, he arranges to change his flat with Beatrice Saulnier from France for a while. Both ... See full summary »

Director:

Chantal Akerman

Writers:

Chantal Akerman (scenario), Jean-Louis Benoît (scenario),

Stars:

Juliette Binoche, William Hurt, Stephanie Buttle

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Juliette Binoche	...	Beatrice Saulnier
William Hurt	...	Henry Harriston
Stephanie Buttle	...	Anne
Barbara Garrick	...	Lizbeth Honeywell
Paul Guilfoyle	...	Dennis
Richard Jenkins	...	Campton
Kent Broadhurst	...	Tim
Matthew Burton	...	Wood
Henry Bean	...	Stein
Bernard Breuse	...	Jerôme
Adam LeFevre	...	Restaurant Patron
Boris Leskin	...	Cab Driver #1
Tiffany Fraser	...	Julie (as Tiffany Frazer)
Wendy Way	...	Employee at Airport
Jerry Dean	...	Cab Driver #2

Storyline

Dr. Henry Harriston is a successful psychoanalyst in New York City. When he is near a nervous breakdown, he arranges to change his flat with Beatrice Saulnier from France for a while. Both don't know each other and both find themselves deeply involved into the social settings of the other, because the decision to change their flats is made overnight. Could be the perfect amusement, but suddenly Henry finds himself beaten up by Beatrice' lover and Beatrice is considered to be Dr. Harriston's substitute by his clients.

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Plot Keywords:

psychoanalyst | new york | france | assumed identity | culture clash | 

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Taglines:

A Man... A Woman... A Dog... The perfect combination for romance...

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some language

Details

Country:

France Germany Belgium

Language:

English French

Release Date:

21 February 1996 (Belgium)

Also Known As:

A Couch in New York

Filming Locations:

Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Gross:

BEF 7,410,000 (Belgium)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Films Balenciaga, Les, France 2 Cinéma, M6 Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"VIA CON ME"
by Paolo Conte
© BMG Ricordi sps
c/o BMG Music Publishing France
(P) Lasi Wesi records

User Reviews

Beatutiful, artistic, sparkling and unique

I don't understand why this movie isn't more popular. William Hurt plays wonderfully sensitive and sincere. Juliette Binoche is charming and natural. The story is like a book. And the filmmakers and photographers have caught the moments just right. The lines and words are not pathetic: they are intelligent and honest.

I love this film. I have seen it several times and Cole Porters "Night and day" suits the film and actors really well.

I give this film top score for seeing the special art and beauty of living. Few movies catches the small deatils like this one: In colours, quite comfortable moments, moods, real life-pictures and honest life-image.

Thank you very much, filmmakers, actors, storytellers, composers and photographers for reminding us how beautiful life can be.