Look At Me

Star Review

Look At Me, Agnes Jaoui’s follow-up to the Oscar-nominated Le Gout Des Autres, is a delightful comedy of manners that recalls the sharply-observed wit of Alan Ayckbourn. The plot centres around Lolita, an insecure, overweight woman who yearns for the affection of her self-obsessed father, a renowned writer. Hoping to earn his admiration, she takes up singing lessons, taught by Sylvia (beautifully played by Jaoui herself), who befriends Lolita hoping that her father’s connections could benefit the career of her husband, also a writer.

As in the work of Ayckbourn, all of the characters here have flaws – even Lolita exhibits an obstreperous temperament towards all those around her. Nevertheless Jaoui coaxes beautifully nuanced performances of human fallibility from her cast. The film’s bittersweet tone rarely falters – even a romantic union at the film’s climax is sealed with the dispassionate line “you’re a pain” – and this gentle satire of the bourgeoisie marks the arrival of an exciting new talent in French cinema.

Alex Davidson on 1st March 2005

View all 153 of Alex Davidson’s reviews

[ Show Film Description ]

Film Description

Aka Comme Une Image. Sophisticated and witty family drama in which weight-conscious Lolita craves at least a little attention from her self-obsessed writer of a father. Her self-esteem is further lowered in that no-one is interested in her until they realise she's a famous writer's daughter. Well-observed and nicely played out.

[ Show Star Review ]

Film Ratings

Average Rating
Log in to place your vote!

DVD Extras

• Making-of documentary
• Photo gallery.

Film Details

Cast

Agnes Jaoui, Jean-Pierre Bacri, Marilou Berry

Technical Details