The Adventures of Felix (2000)

A tale revolving around the carefree and bon-vivant, Felix, who is content living with his boyfriend, Daniel in the town of Dieppe in Northern France. When Felix is laid off from his job, ... See full summary »

Directors:

Olivier Ducastel (co-director), Jacques Martineau (co-director)

Writers:

Olivier Ducastel, Jacques Martineau

Stars:

Sami Bouajila, Patachou, Ariane Ascaride

5 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sami Bouajila	...	Félix
Patachou	...	Mathilde Firmin
Ariane Ascaride	...	Isabelle
Pierre-Loup Rajot	...	Daniel
Charly Sergue	...	Jules
Maurice Bénichou	...	Fisherman
Philippe Garziano	...	Railroader
Didier Mahieu	...	Friend / Unionist
Aliette Langolff-Colas	...	Unemployment Secretary
Arno Feffer	...	Man on Pentatherapy
Clément Dupré	...	Teenager with Kite
Clément Révérend	...	Laurent, the Assailant
Daniel Lesur	...	Bar Owner
Antoine Marneur	...	Salesman
Lisa Guez	...	Little Girl

Storyline

A tale revolving around the carefree and bon-vivant, Felix, who is content living with his boyfriend, Daniel in the town of Dieppe in Northern France. When Felix is laid off from his job, he decides to take a road trip to Marseilles to track down the father he's never met. Backpack in tow, Felix sets out walking, hitching and borrowing cars to get to the south of France. Springtime is budding, nature is at its best, and some unique characters await Felix along the dirtroads and byways of the French countryside.

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Plot Keywords:

male full frontal nudity | dieppe | marseille | road trip | gay club | 

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Taglines:

Sometimes a little trip can change everything.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

Unrated

Did You Know?

Quotes

Félix: I'm gay.
Mathilde Firmin: Not you...
Félix: What do you mean? I'm gay.
Mathilde Firmin: I've known gay guys, but not you!
Félix: I said I'm gay! How can I prove it?
Mathilde Firmin: You seem so sure of yourself, I believe you.

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Soundtracks

Bent Bareh
Performed by Mohamed Khelifati (as Cheb Mami)

User Reviews

Less ideals and more real.

This light hearted travelogue managed to illuminate racism, HIV, aging, death, passion, commitment and fear with a gentle seductive light. It has less ideals than American films like it. Therefore, it seemed much more real, mostly. One big issue, homophobia, is treated most strangely as an anachronism. Felix makes out with his various men in public with fearless abandon, while he seems intensely aware of his Arab-ness. I can allow for the common American notion that Europeans are easier about public displays, but this aspect of the film did seem less real and more idealized. The French countryside is also portrayed in a very real way. Highways and power plants everywhere. Yet, the natural lighting and choice of shots conveyed the persisting charm of France. I was reminded of Eric Rohmer films, like "Autumn Tale". Sami Bouajila, as Felix, has camera chemistry and acts well. The supporting cast is evenly talented. I was thrilled to see Patachou, whom we haven't seen often enough here in the States. I think this film will be remembered as a very good movie with universal appeal, not a gay snapshot, like many of its American cousins.

Details

Official Sites:

Pyramide

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

19 April 2000 (France)

Also Known As:

The Adventures of Felix

Filming Locations:

Dieppe, Seine-Maritime, France

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$13,275, 17 June 2001

Gross USA:

$363,409

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$363,409

Company Credits

Production Co:

Arte France Cinéma, Canal+, Centre National du Cinéma et de l'Image Animée

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1