Un petit jeu sans conséquence (2004)
Directed by Bernard Rapp

Film Review

Un petit jeu sans consequence is the fourth and last film directed by Bernard Rapp who, before turning to filmmaking at the age of 50, was a well-known journalist and television news presenter in France. Rapp died from lung cancer within two years of the film's release, abruptly ending what was proving to be a promising new career, with the director winning widespread praise for his second feature Une affaire de goût (2000).

Un petit jeu sans consequence was based on a successful stage play by Jean Dell and Gérald Sibleyras and benefits from an exemplary script and a fine cast of talented actors. Despite being a comedy, the film evokes something of the dark intrigue and cruel cynicism of Rapp's early work (notably his underrated debut feature Tiré à part (1996)), although it lacks the inspired touch - the mise-en-scène and cinematography are stylistically bland and contribute little to the mood of the piece. Thankfully, this is made up for by the quality of the writing and acting, with particularly strong performances from Sandrine Kiberlain, Yvan Attal and Jean-Paul Rouve. It may not be Rapp's finest hour as a director but his directorial swansong is an engaging divertissement that leaves us regretting that he never had the opportunity to fulfil his potential.

Film Synopsis

Bruno and Claire have been together for 12 years.   On the surface, they look like the perfect couple, but on the day that Bruno invites friends around to his grand family home for a moving house picnic, Claire tells him that the spark may be going out of their relationship.  When Claire lets slip that they have decided to split up, their friends feel free to admit that perhaps they were never well-suited for one another.  Serge, a childhood enemy of Bruno's, sees his chance and tells Claire that she is his ideal woman.  What started as a game has quickly turned into something far more serious...