IFC Films Warms Up Bruno Podalydes’ Park Benches

Filled to the gills in French thesp talants (Catherine Deneuve, Mathieu Amalric, Chiara Mastroianni and Emmanuelle Devos – just to name four), it was a surprise to see Bruno Podalydes’ Park Benches not make some sort of Cannes competition or non-comp appearance. The film wasn’t denied access to Cannes – it became part of the must see market screenings perhaps due to the fact that the film’s sales co. Wild Bunch could only have so many films in comp and the sidebars. Sight unseen, perhaps Podalydès got the idea from the multiple person set up after his experience with Paris, je t’aime.

The ensemble film (see complete list of names in the French poster) is featured in the backdrop of Versailles. As she does every morning, Lucie joins her colleagues at the office. Between games of solitaire and adverts on the Internet, it’s a working day just like any other. Then all activity in the office stops. All attention is turned towards the window of the building opposite and a banner reading: Man Alone. A hoax? A cry for help? What lies behind this mysterious message? Later that day, during the lunch hour, the Square becomes the place where everyone meets. A retired English teacher is disturbed by a jogger who turns out to be a former pupil. Two young lovers are on the verge of splitting up. Children play love games and war games as their anxious mothers look on. A philosophical tramp, a clumsy ladies’ man, zealous cops – and Lucie, who is unknowingly photographed by a mysterious stranger… Afternoon at the Brico-Dream store and the boss is trying to motivate his staff. The customer’s always right, and you have to smile, no matter what. It’s not easy when each customer is crazier than the last. A stellar cast brings Podalydès’ sparkling comedy to vibrant life.