Garçon! (1983)
Directed by Claude Sautet

Film Review

Claude Sautet's third collaboration with Yves Montand - after the popular César et Rosalie (1972) and Vincent, François, Paul...et les autres (1974) - is this light hearted comedy-drama which plays to Montand's strengths and allows Sautet to once more explore one of his favourite themes - the strength of friendship in relation to the ephemeral nature of male-female romantic relationships.  In comparison with the director's better known works, it is pretty much an inconsequential film, easily overlooked and soon forgotten once seen.  However, a pleasing performance from a relentlessly cheerful Yves Montand, here playing an ageing Don Juan of impeccable manners, makes this a mildly enjoyable cinematic diversion.

Film Synopsis

Alex's salad days may be well behind him but he still has drive and knows how to charm the opposite sex.  At present, he is happy enough with his job as head waiter at a thriving Parisian brasserie.  It is his responsibility to ensure things run as smoothly as possible in this classy eating establishment, pandering to the ego of head chef Francis whilst at all times respecting the supremacy of the paying customer.  Divorced, he is rediscovering the joys of the old bachelor life, and, being a charmer of the old school, he has no difficulty attracting women desirous of a harmless amorous fling with a man of character.

Alex is a softy at heart, which is why he allows his friend Gilbert to lodge with him until the time is right for him to move in with his new girlfriend, Marie-Pierre.  One day, Alex is reacquainted with a young woman, Claire, whom he first met a decade and a half ago.  Smitten with her, he hastily enrols in an English class at the language school where she works and in next to no time he and Claire are an item.  Thinking that he has at last met the woman of his dreams, Alex now turns his mind to fulfilling his one great ambition - to open a leisure park by the sea.  Unfortunately, Claire doesn't yet have the inclination to settle down and it isn't long before the couple split up.  With a little help from one of his earlier conquests, Alex finally gets to live his dream...