Review of Bed and Board (1970) by Steven S — 25 Nov 2007
What I like about this film is the subtlety of its quirkiness. On the surface it seems like a straightforward semi-autobiographical slice of life. It's only afterwards that you think: wait a minute - he has a job dyeing FLOWERS? Followed by a job controlling REMOTE CONTROL BOATS? And did Christine really dress up as a MENACING GEISHA? On the other hand, the bathos is quite realistic (eg the subplots with "the Strangler" and the neighbour who keeps trying to get Antoine in the sack - both subplots deliberately fizzle out).
The Hitchcock influence is also obvious and playful (like Rear Window without any murder). And although Antoine's a total shit (and bloody lucky to have a wife like Christine) ( a bit like Marcello in 8 and 1/2 - you think: why are these cool women tolerating these childish knuckleheads?), you can't help but side with him when he starts to whinge about Kyoto.
..she's a total yawn. Finally, the film looks beautiful. Although made in the 70's, everyone looks impeccably elegant. Rather than just plain silly, as they would have had it been made in, say, Australia.
Come to think of it, this film could never have been made in Australia...
This review of Bed and Board (1970) was written by Steven S on 25 Nov 2007.
Bed and Board has generally received very positive reviews.
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