Park Benches (2009)
"Bancs publics (Versailles rive droite)" (original title)

Director:

Bruno Podalydès

Writer:

Bruno Podalydès (screenplay)

Stars:

Florence Muller, Ridan, Jérôme Paret

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Florence Muller	...	Lucie - la secrétaire
Ridan	...	Le chanteur du métro
Jérôme Paret	...	Un guitariste
Denis Podalydès	...	Aimé Mermot
Samir Guesmi	...	Romain
Bruno Podalydès	...	Bretelle
Laure Calamy	...	Opportune
Estelle Chailloux	...	La fée du bricolage (vidéo)
Olivier Gourmet	...	Maurice Begeard
Robin Londinsky	...	Le présentateur vidéo
Patrick Ligardes	...	Paul - le vendeur
Pierre Guinot Déléry	...	Le client mitigeur
Chantal Lauby	...	Pascale
Emeline Bayart	...	Amandine
Hippolyte Girardot	...	Le cadre #1

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

cordless drill | drill | fake phone conversation | overheard conversation | penis joke | 

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Genres:

Comedy

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Details

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

8 July 2009 (France)

Also Known As:

Park Benches

Filming Locations:

Rue de Noailles, Versailles, Yvelines, France

Company Credits

Production Co:

Why Not Productions, France 2 Cinéma, Union Générale Cinématographique (UGC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

User Reviews

Don't be misled by the great cast

After having seen the cast and read a preview I was convinced it would be a good movie. Generally this is exactly the type of movie I like. A movie about the interactions of regular people in a neighbourhood. No special plot, just a poetic observation of life in a limited space.

Unfortunately the film was a total disappointment. It felt like a juxtaposition of stories which never allow the audience empathise with the characters.

The most engaging scene was the one in the park with an interesting alternation of the camera between different people. The viewer felt part of the scene as a common bystander sat on a bench, observing each different group, each different scene. The director should have developed this part as the film title lead to believe instead of letting the scene at the hardware store drag on.

In the end I wonder why so many great French actors agreed to collaborate on this film.