Priceless (2006) User Reviews

Grand Prix

[frankenbenz · 8/10 · 13 May 2008]

Last night my girlfriend dragged me to a chick flick. Fortunately for me, my girl has pretty good taste and it happened to be a French chick flick. Priceless doesn't redefine the genre, but it does prove most European mainstream films have a lot more going for them than most mainstream American films.

"Love conquers all" is certainly not an original theme, yet clichéd or not, this telling feels both fresh and intelligent. Whereas American chick flicks portray women as lonely, hopeless and dying to meet Mr. Right, Priceless establishes its female lead as anything but. Audrey Tautou's Irène is an icy predator, a materialistic bitch with no redeeming qualities other than a great body every designer dress she dons showcases. Here the male lead Jean (Gad Elmaleh) is the hapless and hopeless romantic, who is desperate to melt the ice queen's heart. While this setup might call to mind the Coen Brother's Intolerable Cruelty, it doesn't suffer from IC's achilles heel: aping the films it was inspired by. The Coen's film is an all too obvious tribute to Howard Hawk's screwball romantic comedies, so much so, their respect for Hawk's becomes the very crutch that renders IC lame. Priceless also pays respect to classic French comedies (ie. the films of Louis de Funès and Jacques Tati) but, unlike IC, it never gets bogged down by its influences. Priceless manages to make the old seem new and it is buoyed by its charm, its nuanced writing and the performances of the two leads.

Gad Elmaleh who plays the naïve Jean, not only nails every bit of physical comedy assigned to him, but he also provides Priceless with its heart. You can't help but feel his pain as you see in his eyes the heartache and humiliation inflicted upon him by Tautou's Irène. Throughout the film Elmaleh effortlessly expresses a wide range of emotions and even though the comedy is, at times, broad it never feels contrived and always feels natural.

I'm not going to go over the top and call this a masterpiece, but if you've got to sacrifice some blood and sit through a chick flick after subjecting your better half to a Herzog marathon (as I recently did), then Priceless is the perfect choice.

Breakfast at Tiffany's for the 21st century

[LunarPoise · 8/10 · 28 May 2010]

Audrey Tatou is stunning, giving a complex performance as the sexy, conniving, vulnerable and ready to love Irène. The character is a gold-digger reminiscent of that other Audrey, Hepburn, in Breakfast at Tiffany's, and Priceless manages to achieve the same tension of elegance and decadence, playful banter and fraught undertones. There is something very dark about the scene where Irène, dumped by her latest rich beau, and left literally with only the bikini she has on, sits shivering at poolside while the sun sets and the place chances from bathers to dinner jackets. In an instant she goes from queen of her arena to a spectator. It is a complex tone shift few Hollywood (or British) rom-coms manage to attempt, never mind pull off.

Gad Elmaleh as Jean is perfectly love-struck and versatile. Strong support comes from Marie-Christine Adam as the hard but equally self-deluding Madeleine, and Vernon Dobtcheff as Irène's first victim, Jacques. There is something quite grown-up and yet naively innocent about this film, with characters who can do the most awful things but never enough to stop you caring about them. Vivid colour palette, and slickly shot, the music works well, too. Well worth seeing.

A charming and funny romantic comedy

[Shattered_Wake · 8/10 · 5 January 2009]

Audrey Tautou, the sweetheart of France (and, to me, the rest of the world), returns to the romantic comedy in 'Hors de Prix' aka 'Priceless,' a film by Pierre Salvadori ('Après vous...' (2003)).

Tautou plays a different type of role (in the same type of film) as swindler Irène who uses her sexuality to make men keep her satisfied (materialistically). Her plans go awry when she's left by her rich fiancé and runs to the arms of whom she assumes is a rich business man, Jean (Gad Elmaleh). Unfortunately for Irène, however, Jean is merely a hotel worker who just happened to be at the right place at the right time.

Surprisingly (as she's regularly one of the most attractive women in the world), Audrey looks better than ever. Not only does she have her typical 'adorable' going for her, but here she's extremely sexy as well.

The story is charming and cute, but has a bit of a bite to it. It's questionable as to exactly WHY Jean would like Irène so much with as cruel as she is. . . sure, she's drop-dead gorgeous, but Jean didn't really seem, to me, the type that would fall for something like that. Oh well, can't have everything spoonfed to us and we must take it as given. There are many laugh-out-loud moments, mostly from Jean's awkwardness playing off Irène's smoothness. And it all turns out to be a very pleasant & entertaining romantic comedy that's sure to treat fans of the genre well.

Final Verdict: 8/10.

-AP3-

Captivating and delightful

[Gordon-11 · 29 September 2007]

This is a romantic comedy about the unlikely encounter between a bartender and with a woman who is constantly looking for a rich boyfriend.

The plot is captivating and delightful! The characters are developed well, and I connect with them greatly. Audrey Tautou is really great in this film. Her range of facial expressions alone is joyful to watch. The memorable scenes of her includes her boredom in bed, the surprise of seeing Jean in the restaurant and many more. She gives a very fine performance in this film! Jean's transformation from a regular guy to a high flier in the elite circle is well portrayed. The wardrobe department must be commended as well, for Audrey Tautou's ever changing outfit. The charm of the high life is well presented in the film. I really like this film.

Memorable "comedy" of sorts

[opusv5 · 7/10 · 29 November 2007]

This film could be called very French. It takes place in the south of France, a playground between/among men and women, has style and is set in stylish places such as hotels and "haut couture" stores.The female character, and even the male one, are amoral but not judged as such by the director and not severely so by the men and women they service. Some of the reviewers have referred to Irene (Audrey Tatou) as a prostitute. This isn't quite correct. She was a courtesan: a professional mistress chosen as much for her companionship in public as well as private. Like most famous courtesans (e.g "La Dame aux Cammillias") she seems to have come from poverty of some sort--and is thus rather tough.And Jean could probably be called a gigolo, though the elderly lady who pampers him has only minimal illusions as to why he's with her. That could be the point: the middle-aged and elderly rich people they play up to are themselves at fault if they want "young stuff" around as companions instead of seeking company their own age. I did like the ending with the Euro.

Priceless? More like near worthless. I really didn't like this French rom-com at all.

[ironhorse_iv · 6/10 · 27 May 2016]

Inspired by director Blake Edwards 1961's film, 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' & director, William Wyler 1953's 'Roman Holiday', 'Priceless' is a 2006 French film directed by Pierre Salvadori that I found, nearly unwatchable. Don't get me wrong, I like the first part of the film, where beautiful, scheming opportunist gold digger, Irène Mercier (Audrey Tautou) mistakes love-struck hotel bellboy/bartender Jean Simon (Gad Elmaleh) for a millionaire. The way that Jeans try his hardest to keep up the façade, so they can fall in love is a bit charming. It made a lot of great comedy moments that I laugh, throughout. However, it's the second half of the film, where the ugliness of both of these unlikeable characters really did shown. First off, Irene really does mistreat Jean, quite a lot in this film, like forcing him to save her, by pay for expensive dresses, hotels and dinners, when he really doesn't have to, and then running off with another man, after Jean's money run dry. She's so horrible that she left him with expensive hotel bills to pay as well. That's really cold. I really don't get, why Jean would allow himself to be, mistreated like that. She doesn't help once, pay the bills. Why is he so smitten by her!? Another problem with the film, is Jean's over-stalking behavior. He really does seem creepy at parts of the film, by staking restaurants bars & hotels lobbies for her presence. He even calls her lover's room pretending to be room service. Who does that? Another good example of this, was the dinner scene with Irene trying to date another millionaire. The idea, that he was watching the whole scene in the background, is a bit disturbing. Ask any women, out there in the world, and they will agree with me. Having your ex-lover, peeping tom you, while you're on a date is not romantic at all. However, the worst thing about this movie is, how Irène & Jean were conning others lovers, to fund their lavish lifestyle in exchange for companionship and sex. The combine cheating and greedy nature between these two people is nearly unbearable. It's doesn't help that the victims, French businessman, Gilles (Jacques Spiesser) & mature heiress/widow, Madeleine (Marie-Christine Adam) weren't really bad people. After all, Madeleine did help Jean with the hotel bill, after Irène leaves him, for another man & Gilles isn't a lazy drunk, like Irene's elderly ex-lover, Jacques (Vernon Dobtcheff). Jean and Irene had no reason, to mistreat their sponsors like that. It's not like, they were doing it for good causes, supporting their poor or sickly family members. They were just doing it, for selfish shallow reasons. Yes, I get that the film slowly exposes the realization that money can never buy love and happiness, toward the end, but that was far too late, and not really explore that well. There was very little redemption. It's sucks, because I honestly like, both Audrey Tautou and Gad Elmaleh as actors. They were wonderful in other films like 2001's 'Amélie' & 2011's 'Midnight in Paris'. Plus, they really do have chemistry with each other, and seem like good people in real-life, but their screen presence really didn't 'Priceless', worth the price of admission. Instead, I got really turn off by the posh attitude of their characters. In my opinion, the real star of this film is the exotic French Riviera. The cities of Cote d'Azure are really beautiful. It's too bad, the weak European haute first world conflict makes this escapism film, somewhat unrelated to me, a middle class citizen of the United States. I found the film to be a very snobby and predictable. I guess, the culture clash between French & Americans are just too different to related to. Despite that, the best thing about the film isn't its dialogue. It's the use of stares, and body language that really drives the story, forward. A good example of this, is the moment, they reunited after months of not seeing each other. Another great thing about this film is how film music speaks more volume than French words. Most of the music really has that French harmonica that I love. The score 'Scooter' is a treat to the ears that remind me of fun 1970s French Wave music. Composter, Camille Bazbaz really did a great job with the soundtrack. Overall: 'Priceless' has its sweet moments, but too few of them for me. Way too superficial and extensive for my taste. I can't recommended watching.

Gigolo et Gigolette

[brogmiller · 7/10 · 30 March 2022]

Pierre Salvadori made an impressive directorial debut with the outrageous 'Wild Target' in 1993. Although his films have became less anarchic through the years, he has never lost his sense of quirkiness which makes his foray into the genre of the 'rom-com' so intriguing.

Given what is probably his biggest budget to date and a glamorous setting, he has wisely maintained a tempo that is lento throughout which helps his characters to develop, thereby enabling his film to avoid the shallowness that so often afflicts others of this type.

None of the characters is a cipher and Salvadori's casting is spot on. Vernon Dobtcheff and Jacques Spiesser as sugar daddies, Marie-Christine Adam as a sugar mummy and Annalise Hesme as a gold digger.

The lynchpin is the on/off relationship between the unassuming barman of Gad Elmaleh and wondrous Audrey Tautou as the hotel hooker. The chemistry between them is palpable and there is little doubt of course that despite their misadventures, they are destined to be together. Monsieur Elmaleh had played a hapless valet in his previous film and has gone one better here whilst Mlle Tautou had gone from strength to strength following her César as most promising newcomer in 'Venus Beauty Institute'. Their pairing is inspired and unsurprisingly the film proved a huge hit.

I would hazard a guess that this piece has been made with a view not only to the home market but also to appeal to North American audiences which probably accounts for the fact that it has attracted more IMDb reviews than most of this director's earlier films put together.

great acting, suspense, easy humour, perfect french romance!

[bitter_sweet_devil · 10/10 · 6 March 2007]

I loved this movie. The cast was well acted, the relationships kept me at the edge of my seat as there were always suspense and thrills with every single relationship and this includes the spotlight characters. Every actor's facial expressions, not outcasting the supporting roles were so well acted that every one had me guessing, worrying the conditions of the relationships every second.

This is a great break away from Hollywood comedies/romance movies these days and it gives me great relief that great films like this still exists! So, if you've gotten used to movies filled with senseless sex, random nudity-all the ingredients of these days' plot less "romantic teen comedies", you wouldn't like this movie.

That having said, loved Audrey Tatou's acting-AS ALWAYS. She made me hate her guts in the beginning, then sympathize with her, feel happy for her, as she discovers and attempts to claim her love.

I've just been introduced to Gad and truthfully, I was really not looking forward to seeing him in it because he looks too skinny, his features too pointedly brought together to be instantly attractive for a romantic role like this. And, this is the case in the beginning. However, he surprises me as time progresses-and I unconsciously got sucked into his talented, fabulous acting. Now all I can see is a foxy, sexy guy with a lot of wits who can melt any female in a second.

Overall this is a great film about relationships, discovery, interaction between realistic people, human values that are often taken for granted and forgotten these days, altogether stringed with sweet icings of hysterical laughters from easy humour, not to mention loveeee and romannceee!!

Playful and entertaining French romance

[yris2002 · 7/10 · 20 February 2012]

A nice setting on the Cote d'Azur, a delicious Audrey Tautou, a shy but sufficiently intriguing Gad Elmaleh and a good chemistry between them would be enough to make a comedy entertaining. And "Priceless" is indeed a pleasant French romance-comedy, let's add also some playful attitude, which remains playful till the end. The movie avoids too sappy scenes, and keeps up an enjoyable cheeky tone, with a consciousness of the nature of these relationships between wealthy men/women and their escorts, but wise enough to move the camera away when curtains are drawn or lights are turned off, simply because the mood of the picture has to remain lively, not serious, not even passionate. The ending is predictable, but it could not be otherwise, and you'll like also for its gentle and delicate progressing to that necessarily predictable finale. And if you look at dresses, well, you will fall in love with Audrey Tautou's splendid evening dresses...

A Nutshell Review: Priceless

[DICK STEEL · 10/10 · 11 May 2007]

Transportation S$3.00 Movie Ticket S$9.00 Fried Chicken S$3.80 A Good Movie That Entertains? Priceless.

Directed by Pierre Salvadori, Pricess is one heck of a delightful gem. It is playful, cheeky, and boasts excellent chemistry between its leads, which is crucial to pull off a romantic comedy so dependent on their banter and interaction.

Audrey Tautou plays Irene, a high maintenance gold digging prostitute who flits from one elderly man to another, in the hopes of seducing and convincing them into marriage, while in the meantime milking all she could from their company. It's haute fashion label dropping, living the high life in expensive hotel suites, for free. In an uncontrollable one night stand, she hooks up with waiter Jean (Gad Elmaleh), who while is totally out of her league, falls hard for her, and becomes a constant thorn in her side as she goes about her mission in life.

Not your usual romance movie where the bickering couple are expected to kiss, make up, and bicker some more, Priceless does two things in its narrative. One, in its reminder to the male suckers out there to be wary of high maintenance women - if you don't have what it takes (and that simply means a really fat bankroll), forget about it, as she'll drain your finances as simply as it takes to gulp down a glass of water. Two, perhaps it really does pay for those who are kept men and women, if they don't mind trading their bodies for material pleasures that a rich life can offer.

And from adversaries to partners in crime, Priceless sprinkles its narrative with scenes like from The Guru, where tips and tricks of the trade are shared, and played for laughs. And this is especially so with Jean's natural charms mixed with Mr Bean like demeanor. Kudos actually to actor Gad Elmaleh, who throws this constant innocent blank look, when he's hamming it up pretending to be loaded, or practising turning on his charms (consciously or otherwise). He brings to Jean a sense of helplessness in falling for the woman of his dreams much against his finances, and gives Jean that chivalrous character that will surely win many over.

Fans of Audrey Tautou will reminisce her portrayal as Irene to be similar to the quirky Amelie, only that this time round, she's the complete slut whom you pity for having such a materialistic nature. Her plunging necklines all the way down to the navel will no doubt raise temperatures, and while noticeably older, has brought about a sense of maturity from giggling girl to all woman.

Peppered with an excellent soundtrack, the best songs were kept for a party scene, and for as many party scenes featured in various movies, I'd rate this one as one of the most interesting, thanks to the key music, characters, and the scene that plays out just right. With so many elements working in its favour, I'd rate this as a contender for the top movies of this year. Don't let this movie slip pass you in this crowded blockbuster summer!

Expensive tastes

[jotix100 · 6/10 · 26 May 2008]

"Hors de prix" a mildly funny French comedy, co-written and directed by Pierre Salvatori tries too hard to be cute. We were 'bombarded' with the trailers for this film way before it opened commercially in New York. Alas, the best scenes were seen in the trailer and they have a deja vu feeling as one watches the film on the big screen.

The French have the knack for coming out with naughty ideas for their sex comedies. There is no doubt in our minds this film will have a Hollywood after life as a repackaged vehicle for whoever is hot at the time it will go into production. "Hors de prix" seems to be a long commercial for the type of clothing, jewelry and cars that were strategically placed within the picture to entice the viewer, or perhaps make us envious for all the excesses one sees displayed.

The best thing the film has is the pairing of Gad Elmaleh, one of the comic actors being showcased at the moment, and Audrey Tautou, a fine presence in this, or any other one where she is asked to appear. The mistaken identity joke, the basis of the plot, has been done with better results in better films. "Hors de prix" is not a horrible movie by any means, it just doesn't have any surprises, leaving the viewer a bit weary when all is said and done.

subtle and developed

[Rob-O-Cop · 9/10 · 22 January 2008]

With so much rubbish hitting screens across the world it's a breath of fresh air each time a film comes along that treats its audience with respect and acknowledges a level of intelligence and ability to pick up detail without banging us over the head with it. Priceless takes a simple idea that in other hands would have stayed at the simple level and develops layers and folds, shades of grey, as well as some straight up laughs.

Audrey Tautou does wonders with her character, making her lovable one minute and despicable the next but not so much that we hate her. I was amazed at the natural flow with which she delivered her performance. A slight facial expression speaking pages. If I wasn't a fan before, I am now.

Gad Elmaleh delivers a similar performance as he did in the valet, which works perfectly for this movie, luckily. He is really good at what he does, and for those that say he is unbelievable in the lead romantic role, I think he pulled out the charm quite convincingly at the right moments, which is exactly what the feel of the film required. These are not cartoon characters that we know are either good or bad, they're complex, just like real humans who some times we hate, and some times we love. Yay for quality cinema!!

Unhappy Hookers

[writers_reign · 7/10 · 25 December 2006]

Since her breakthrough role in Amelie it has been Audrey Tautou's fate to be compared to her namesake Audrey Hepburn and Pierre Salvadori has taken this seriously enough to come up with his own take of Breakfast At Tiffaney's; that was the one, you may remember where Hepburn played a hooker in all but name, making a living out of letting rich men wine and dine her whilst keeping one eye out for a millionaire to marry, only to fall for George Peppard's gigolo. Salvadori has made one basic change inasmuch as whilst THIS Audrey actually sleeps with men three times her age Gad Elmahleh begins as a waiter who gets to sleep with Tautou after she mistakes him for a playboy but drops him like a hot potato once he's squandered his savings on baubles, champagne, etc. Only then does he become the plaything of a rich older woman. For good measure Salvadori throws in a scooter ride in case anyone needs reminding of Roman Holiday where Hepburn rode behind Gregory Peck. Alas, Gad Elmaleh is to Gregory Peck what George Bush is to Einstein. This is one of those films that tries to have it both ways; both the principals are living lives that are morally dubious but because they are doing so on the Riviera in outrageously opulent hotels and get to wear designer labels we're supposed to find them delightful, enchanting and root for them to get it on. Both the leads are competent actors and contrive to look clean and wholesome and the movie has box office written all over it but as Brooks Atkinson said in 1940 in his review of Pal Joey, can you draw sweet water from a foul well. My guess is that the public will say yes, but let's not forget it was the public who elected Blair and Bush.

For me, the premise and the characters didn't quite work.

[planktonrules · 4/10 · 19 March 2018]

If "Hors de Prix" ("Priceless" ) is supposed to be romantic or a comedy, it has some plot problems which work against it. Part of it is that I am indeed old fashioned, but even common sense tells you that Jean is going about finding love in a ridicuous and self-defeating fashion! In other words, "Kids: Don't Try This at Home!".

When the story begins, Jean (Gad Elmaleh) is working as a bartender in a very upscale hotel. His night has been very slow and when Irène (Audrey Tautou) comes to the bar, she mistakes him for one of the hotel's rich patrons. Soon, they end up in bed together. Later, they repeat this...and the man who is footing the bill for Irène discovers this is happening and cuts her off. Now, in need of a rich sugar daddy, she returns to Jean...not knowing he's just a lowly working man. He doesn't realize that she is, in fact, a lowly working woman...albeit a very high priced one! And, in order to impress her and keep her, he spends what little he has on her...and it disappears very, very quickly.

So, Jean is a liar and beds a woman on false pretenses. And, Irène is a high priced call girl. Sounds like the ideal basis for a relationship, don't you think? And that is my problem with the film. While the actors were very good, I just couldn't get past the fact that they were very selfish and unlikable...especially Irène. As for Jean, he was just completely foolish and his indiscretions only get worse! Normally, you should like characters in a film...particularly a romantic comedy. But here they just seemed selfish and awful...and it ruined the experience for me.

cinematic soufflé

[Philby-3 · 7/10 · 3 March 2008]

Audrey Tautou as Irene does her gamin number ably partnered by poker-faced comic Gad Elmaleh as Jean. The setting is the haunts of the filthy rich on the French Riviera. She is a shameless gold-digger, he is a bartender, and when she mistakes him for a rich quarry, he falls in love with her. Lots of posh hotels and restaurants, a fancy party and generally opulent living by the undeserving rich, who think that youth and beauty are for sale The problem of course from the viewer's aspect is that someone like Irene, no matter how attractive, is very hard to like, especially as she continues to bleed Jean after she has discovered he's not rich. Nicely paced and entertaining, but essentially a cinematic soufflé.

Just screwball enough

[Irie212 · 7/10 · 16 January 2024]

Gold-digger Audrey Tautou mistakes a shy waiter for a tycoon, and he takes advantage. She soon learns the truth and exacts expensive revenge... until about 45 minutes into the movie, when a very clever plot twist evens the playing field. Tautou is fine in every way, and Moroccan actor Gad Elmaleh grows ever more appealing as he rises to the challenges to his moral code.

The screwball element is crucial; without it, I wouldn't have been able to tolerate the sheer avarice. But the silliness of the plot reminds me of old Hollywood movies like My Man Godfrey and Holiday: a kind of adult fairy tale where the lavish setting is part of the fantasy. And the settings couldn't be more lavish, inside and out, in the poshest hotels of the most gorgeous playgrounds in the South of France, from Biarritz to Cap d'Antibes.

Humdrum formula

[Bernie4444 · 6/10 · 15 January 2024]

Yes, we all know Audrey Tautou is beautiful and can act and Gad Elmaleh has style but "formula is formula." I admit that we like to see the same formulas over repeatedly; some movies are just fun to watch even when we know the general just of the story and the outcome. However, there comes a time when trying to remake a classic can get boring. This is one of those times. Perhaps it is just because we're spending more time watching subtitles. Then again, I have the feeling that everybody is just going through motions.

The general story is, of course, a gold digger who mistakes somebody for being rich. This film expands on this mistaken identity and allows the tables to be turned with a few standard twists. I suggest that if you like this type of film that you really should watch Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) as it has the same feel but more depth.

Audrey Tautou superb as usual

[robert-temple-1 · 9/10 · 23 January 2008]

This is a classic case of moral ambivalence. Audrey Tautou, hypnotising us as usual with her big soulful eyes, plays someone of less than salubrious character, in fact a totally amoral gold-digger. The film is actually a study of gold-digging. Gad Elmaleh is the hapless intoxicant, drowning in the beauty of Audrey, a kind of Tautouholic, and who cannot understand that? So he starts out straight and gets sucked into this world of sell yourself for cash, and sticks with it because while they are in the same luxury hotels being paid to be sex toys by rich older people, he gets to spend his spare moments with her. The girlie friendship between them as prostitute colleagues drives him crazy because he loves her, but it is the only way he can be near her. The film has many hilarious moments, if being a prostitute is hilarious, and the story is about whether Audrey will discover what is 'beyond price', namely that thing called love. Audrey's talent for mania comes out especially in the scene where she goes wild with lust for a new dress which she sees for sale. She wants money, she wants things, and ultimately this is a morality tale about whether she can get beyond these delusions. Elmaleh was an excellent choice for the fellow, and he does a superb job in being sensitive and befuddled as he does what a man has gotta do to hang in there somehow. Will she crack? Audrey meanwhile exudes waves of warmth and creates a real individual out of someone who could so easily have been a cardboard cutout character. The screen is awash with her charm, one wants to wade out into that surf, like Elmaleh, knowing that one could easily drown. Will he? Does he? I'm not going to tell. Notch up one more irresistible vehicle for Audrey Tautou as she continues her march through unmissable film after film. But the mystery as to who and what she is deepens, because the more she is exposed to our view, the less we can really see of her, as she is the ultimate chamaeleon, of whom we will always know a diminishing amount as she progressively turns herself into a legend.

Whisper it, but Priceless is actually quite watchable.

[johnnyboyz · 7/10 · 26 March 2013]

We shouldn't enjoy Priceless as much as we do. A film which, on the surface, is frothy and colourful and quite perky; a film driven by a young woman who enjoys the company of older men because of their bank balance than any other quality. A frothy, sugary film set in a place where it's difficult to take anybody, or anything, particularly seriously; a holiday resort divided into two by those much old and rich ploughing on through their fatuous existences and those much younger and much poorer who loath the rich individuals it is whom they must serve in order to make a living. Pierre Salvadori's film does the job; it sets up, depicts and explores to an extent that is wholly satisfying. The film doesn't delve to the depths that it could have done; this is not a sex-laden, depraved and wholly ugly world being depicted here wherein we squeam at the mere presence of these people. Rather, the film is softer on its subjects: it humanises more-so demonises – it doesn't offer excuses or ways out for them, but it takes on an approach and sticks to its guns.

The film is about lying; sloth and greed and yet it is the sort of film you can very quickly ease into once you've grasped the aesthetic and general tone of the animal. It's no masterpiece, but such is the effectiveness of most films coming out of France, it can mess about with this approach to this sort of subject matter, and still get away with it. We follow a young clerk at a hotel on the Côte d'Azur named Jean (Elmaleh), a man fulfilling the menial jobs at a luxurious establishment which plays host to France's richer personnel. When we first see him, he is a dogsbody out dog walking; a man struggling along, as those whom do not need to worry about such things, sit far away enough for the overall walk to be as arduous as it is and exist in their flawed and fatuous existence. During the walk, Jean will come to very briefly be near to a young woman named Irène (Tautou); her immediate presence propped up by a close up of a pair of expensive earrings sat perched in a shop window. They do not interact, but this will not be the first time Irène will be stood looming in the background ready to purchase something in the vicinity of our Jean.

Jean plods along in life, serving the rich and empty; hobbling along in his job, suffering the wrath of his supervisor should he doze off during his night-shift in this, his bartender-come-security guard-come-anything else role. The Irène of earlier enters his life when the elderly man she's working on, in so much she grants him her time and love on account of being provided with anything and everything she desires, passes out on the night of his birthday through the over consumption of alcohol. Bored and frustrated, Irène spills out into the complex only to bump into Jean – someone who becomes smitten with her when they bond and sleep together. But he is, of course, merely a lowly clerk and she won't stand for anyone who doesn't have at least half the annual income that could supplement a night in one of these sorts of hotels.

Disappearing in the morning, but reappearing a year later, she is still with her old boyfriend although but is on course to marry him. Jeans decides to act, and realises he must woo her away from this suitor: but how? She'll only go for very specific men who are endowed in the monetary department, and he only has so much cash. Coming to run out of money himself in trying to live this false existence, Jean must stoop to her level in playing pretty-younger-partner to a rich elderly woman just so that he may remain in her space.

Cue a story depicted by Salvadori, which although we predict from a fairly early point, and of which is told to us through an often aggravating 'tourist board' aesthetic, is actually quite good. Ultimately, it is a film about Jean becoming enraptured in a lifestyle where previously he played the black sheep; likewise, Irène's gradual belief that those whom they initially dismissed are actually rather decent and have a heart where it matters is depicted coming up the other way. There is nothing glaringly terrible about Priceless; recall that it is a character study about two people blinded by relationships, or the potential for relationships, who end up looking foolish because of their actions above most things.

I'd like to... I'd love to...

[trip_durden · 8/10 · 9 April 2007]

The French have always boasted a healthy appetite for romantic comedies, and Priceless is perhaps one of the most nourishing to date.

Director, Pierre Salvadori (Apres Vous) is something of a veteran in the romance genre, and in this screenplay, co-authored with Benoit Graffin, he manages to create a work that is both endearing and ludicrously funny. The plot is mildly reminiscent of the Coen Brothers 2003 George Clooney vehicle, Intolerable Cruelty, and centers on the evolving romance between would-be career bride Irene (Tautou) and bartender Jean (Elmaleh), whom she mistakes for a wealthy bachelor. In Priceless Audrey Tautou is no longer the innocent she once played to great acclaim in Jeunet's smash-hit Amelie, and her smoldering sex-siren is contrasted against the goofy good looks and impeccable comic timing of Moroccan born Gad Elmaleh.

Set amidst the opulent architecture and stunning ocean views of the world renowned Biarritz holiday coast, Priceless is decorated with exquisite fashion, beautiful people, and a sense of nonchalance that one often associates with people who spend the best part of their time "writing cheques". Tautou and Elmaleh find a wonderful chemistry in this laugh-out-loud comedy, and Salvadori's suspenseful narrative is the perfect vehicle for these two talented actors to play off against one another.

Priceless is not all laughs however, and through the disappointments of both protagonists, Salvadori explores the etiquette of attraction and the complexity of love and materialism, creating a romantic comedy far richer than the majority of its distant Hollywood cousins. Early in the film, a 1 Euro coin is offered to the audience as a symbol of time and materialist obsession, and ironically, it is with this 1 Euro that the love-smitten pair eventually purchases freedom. Along the way Jean and Irene compete for laughs and for the affections of their benefactors; and the look on Irene's face when Jean receives a 30,000 Euro Jaeger le Couture wristwatch as a gift from his sugar-mommy Madeleine can only be described as: Priceless.

Worth the admission price, barely (this is not a pun)

[harry_tk_yung · 17 May 2007]

I don't know if this movie is an intentional reference to "Breakfast at Tiffany's", but the signs are surely there. It comes as no surprise that it lack's Capote's sophistication. A comparison is superficial. If the criterion is in the two protagonist employing sex as something they do for a living, "Sonny" (2002) would be a better comparison.

The opening credits serve also as effective establishing shots: he (Gad Elmaleh) a hotel bartender who happens to be serving patrons by walking their dogs and she (Audrey Tautou) living on credit cards of her "sponsors", some old enough to be he grandfather. The all too familiar identity charade (she mistaking him for a rich hotel guest and he playing on for good sport) is mildly interesting. His hopeless attraction to her even after she finds out the truth is no less banal. The best part of the movie is what comes next, when he, in his financial desperation, is picked up by a rich widow, thus becoming her "equal", albeit a novice. Their mutual profession finally brings them to the same wavelength. I particularly like the scene where with a sentiment that is almost like a ten-year-old's excitement over a friend's new toy, she glows at his success in "earning" a very expensive watch from his "patron". After all, does she not deserve some credit too as his "technical adviser"? What follows is of course true romance, in its full bitter-sweetness and, finally, love triumphing over all.

Priceless is a light, trivial movie that wouldn't hurt if you have 100 minutes to kill, but certainly not in the same league as "Breakfast at Tiffany's". Elmaleh is likable though not particularly impressive. As to Tautou, "Audrey" is the only thing in common. Even the remotest notion that there is perhaps a smallest possibility of a comparison would be the biggest flattery she has even had. Thank you for your "not useful" votes, Tautou fans.

stupid plot, worthless people, great writing and jokes

[nebulousbox-imdb · 6/10 · 26 March 2008]

The movie is very funny and well made. The acting is not over-the-top which makes it more effective. The writing does a good job setting up funny situations and the actors take just the right tone of restraint to pull them off.

But the story is stupid and pretty much every character unsympathetic because of how they live their lives. Thus it becomes a forgettable piece of fluff.

At times it has a strong 1960s feel in the story and presentation, and I found myself thinking of the Pink Panther ... not a plus or a minus, just an observation. Also I question some of the costumes, no matter how thin you are, flaunting the sagging of body parts isn't a plus.

Reminds me of Lubitsch classic

[Rdobrick · 8/10 · 27 May 2008]

A charming, classy comedy of morals as only the French can do it. This was also the milieu of the great German-born American director Ernst Lubitsch, who flourished between the 20's and the 40's.

The theme of mutual con games mixing sex and money reminded me very much of Lubitsch's 1932 classic, "Trouble in Paradise", which shows up on TCM every once in awhile. See "Priceless" and rent "Trouble" and see if you agree.

This is not a masterpiece, but it is a very clever, witty and enjoyable film with an excellent cast. As always, Tautou is a delight. Cudos also to Gad Elmaleh as the bartender/dog walker Jean and Marie-Christine Adam as the rich widow.

breakfast at Audrey's

[lee_eisenberg · 7/10 · 24 October 2010]

As I understand it, Pierre Salvadori's "Hors de prix" ("Priceless" in English) is based on Truman Capote's "Breakfast at Tiffany's", following the book more closely than the 1961 movie did. I've never read the book or seen the original movie, so I can only talk about this one.

Audrey Tautou plays gold-digger Irène, who happens upon bartender Jean (Gad Elmaleh) in a swanky hotel on the French Riviera. Not realizing that Jean is an employee - he fell asleep on the job - Irène tries to start up a relationship with him...except that her current paramour dumps her, after which a mishap gets Jean fired! Now that the two are in a real fix, she doesn't want to see him again...but there's more than meets the eye.

This isn't any kind of masterpiece, but fun to watch for the short period that it runs. The clever Irène and the nerdy Jean actually make a pretty fine pair. But without a doubt, I'd say that the best part is seeing Audrey Tautou in very revealing dresses (hell, seeing her at all in a movie, but especially in the sexy clothes that she wears here). From this movie and "To Catch a Thief" and "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels", southern France sure looks like a cool place to visit. Worth seeing.

Also starring Marie-Christine Adam, Vernon Dobtcheff, Jacques Spiesser and Annelise Hesme.

Waiting for the penny to drop

[davek28 · 5/10 · 18 October 2008]

All the way through this film I was waiting for the characters to figure out what was going on.

In the first bar scene, I expected Irene to figure out that Jean was actually the bartender - but she didn't. From then on I was disappointed numerous times by the stupidity of people when they were unable to see what was in front of their own faces.

Plus there was the plain impossibility that their "partners" failed to notice that they were missing for long periods of time. I also didn't believe for a second that Irene would find Jean in the slightest attractive or interesting once she discovered his financial plight.

Another thing they failed to realise is that sleeping with people for money is called prostitution and maybe they should rethink their chosen profession.

I really only rented this DVD to see Audrey Tautou in skimpy dresses - as promised by a DVD review magazine - but I couldn't give the film more than 5 out of 10 despite the lovely Audrey's flesh-fest as it was just so inane and frustrating.