Review of Russian Dolls (2005) by Blake P — 02 Feb 2012

Xavier (Duris) is a writer who's at a point in his life where he realizes his plans have been going nowhere. During his friend William's (Bishop) wedding, Xavier reflects on the past year. We find him dating every woman in the book, all which are unfulfilling in his life.

The only women in his life that make a difference, are the goal-driven Martine (Tautou) and his lesbian pal Isabelle (France), who both give him advice during all of his creative mishaps. His luck changes when he gets the chance to work with writer Wendy (Reilly), who soon enough he falls in love with.

Finding that this is the chance to finally have a good life, Xavier does his best to maintain it. "Les Poupées Russes" is a light and charming romantic comedy that is definitely heartwarming, but it never ever uses the cliches so well known to the "frothy comedy" genre.

Instead, it's a very realistic look at relationships and how life works out, and that's just one of the things I liked. At its long run-time, the director fills the scenes with flashbacks, dates, and conversations, all coming from Xavier and the people in his life, but because Klapisch seems to have a good eye for comedy, the film's length never seems to drag.

This is a movie really worth watching. Duris is a wonderful leading man and carries the film on his shoulders with strength, but by the time the movie's over it's not him you're remembering-- it's the supporting cast.

France is perfectly cast as the wisecracking lesbian pal (and she did end up winning the French version of the Oscar), Tautou is memorable in her small role, and Reilly is very good and provides a lot of sympathy for her character.

In the end "Les Poupées Russes" was an enjoyable experience that most people should like. Recommended.