There are some dramatic moments in A La Mode, but it is mainly a comedy. I understand French humor may differ from that of the U.S., but there was enough common ground for me to get a couple laughs and more than a few smiles out of A La Mode. I am grateful to this movie for introducing me to the astounding beauty of Florence Darel. The main character, Fausto Barbarico, played by Ken Higelin, has very little to say in the movie, and this somehow works. Again, it may be a nuance that European movie watchers would understand and appreciate more than the typical American: Fausto is traumatized by his father dying and being sent to an orphanage to live. This would tend to cause, in many individuals, the semi-catatonia that Fausto seems to be a victim of. Jean Yanne is very good as Meitek: His animated and driven character plays a perfect foil for Fausto's receding nature. Barbarico's "fashions" are ridiculous, but I think they were meant to be, to enhance the comedic element.
