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

"NIGHT AND DAY"
by Cole Porter
Copyright HARMS Inc.
Arrange and performed by Sonia Wieder-Atherton and Bruno Fontaine

User Reviews

A charming romantic comedy.

The basic tension of opposites attract is carried out in an exquisitely delicate manner. A New York psychiatrist exchanges apartments with a woman in Paris. He is orderly tidy controlled. She is - well opposite. He moves into her disheveled apartment complete with bad plumbing, a roof in disrepair and the importunities of her crazed lover. She moves into his and is beset by his patients demanding to be treated. She obliges and with the help of her friend (who has had analysis) learns to say "uh huh" and repeat the last word of the patient's sentences. They get better. His dog is happier. A nice point is he is shown as competent as her lover starts to feel better when talking to him. This is the last straw that drives him back to New York.

He can't go back to his apartment, but stops by, sees his patients coming out looking better. Fascinated, he makes an appointment. The relationship unfolds.

The cool thing about this movie is it is not forced like so many modern comedies.You realize how strident such recent comedies such as "One Fine Day" and "Fools Rush In" are in comparison.

So wonderfully delicate.