Au petit Marguery (1995)
Directed by Laurent Bénégui

Film Review

Those essential pillars of French life - family, friendship and food - are the three main items on the menu of Au petit Marguery, a likeable food-themed comedy-drama from director Laurent Bénégui.  Prior to this, Bénégui made a respectable directorial debut with the quirky comedy Un type bien (1991), and subsequently went on to helm Mauvais Genre (1997) and Qui perd gagne! (2004).  He has been more prolific as a writer, scripting films as diverse as Jean-Paul Salomé's Les Braqueuses (1994) and Agnès Obadia's Romaine par moins-30 (2009), whilst writing several popular novels, most notably the award winning La Paresse de Dieu.

Adapted from one of Bénégui's novels, Au petit Marguery is a practically plotless ensemble piece, yet it manages to hold the attention with its true-to-life interactions between a colourful collection of characters as they partake of a gargantuan valedictory banquet.  As the words 'feast' and 'Stéphane Audran' are strongly linked (through the actress's presence in Gabriel Axel's Babette's Feast (1987)), it is only fitting that Audran should be present as the hostess, affably partnered by that consummate bon vivant, Michel Aumont.

So authentic is this amiable slice-of-life offering that it scarcely feels like a staged drama. Audran is her usually beguiling herself, leading a sublime cast who are as appetising as the sumptuous fare that gets placed on the table before them. For devotees of French cuisine or gourmands generally Au petit Marguery is a mouth-watering indulgence that is a torment to watch on an empty stomach but a celebration of the things that are most important in life - family, friendships and, above all else, good food. This appetising starter should be followed by the main course Les Saveurs du Palais (2012). Bon appétit.

Film Synopsis

For the past 30 years, Hippolyte and his wife Joséphine have managed a chic restaurant, Le petit Marguery, in a busy district of Paris.  Now, because of ill health, Hippolyte is forced to close the restaurant and take his retirement.  The proud restaurateur has no wish for this to be a sad occasion, far from it.  He intends going out in a blaze of glory.  So, on the final evening before closing, he and his wife host an extravagant party for their family, friends and regular customers.  As usual, Hippolyte will use the occasion to show off his impressive culinary skills, whilst Joséphine plays the perfect hostess.  Amid the festivities, the couple reflect on the memories the restaurant has given them...