By: Russ Matthews
Gilles Legardinier is one of France’s most popular novelists.
With his best-selling novel Complètement cramé!, the writer was allowed to direct and bring his story to life in Mr Blake At Your Service. A film that includes John Malkovich in the lead role, legendary leading lady Fanny Ardant, and a cast of deliciously engaging characters, this quaint tale of grief, love, and the rediscovery of life may be an excellent choice for audiences who want to see a wonderful taste of French cinema.
As Mr Andrew Blake (Malkovich) mourns the loss of his beloved wife, he decides to visit the luxury castle in the French countryside, where they met over 40 years earlier. When he arrives, the former British businessman realises that the palatial estate has fallen into disrepair. Undeterred, Andrew convinces the manor’s caretaker to allow him to hire a room, except within the translation of his stay’s purpose, Odile (Émilie Dequenne) believes he is there for the butler position. The following day, she is made aware of her mistake. She decides he must leave, except Mr Blake takes the position temporarily to ensure he can stay on for a while. Once the estate’s owner, Nathalie (Fanny Ardant), is convinced there would be value in having a British butler, Mr Blake must learn how to navigate the odd cast of characters who remain in the beautiful but dilapidated house.
For the John Malkovich fans of the world, this film may take a moment to get your head around as the American actor plays a British businessman/butler who speaks French fluently. Once your mind gets over that discombobulating mental hurdle, this film will slowly curl around your soul like a warm blanket. Each character is cleverly developed and plays an integral role in the quirky tale that unpacks the mourning experienced differently by all involved. Malkovich subtly and masterfully works his own humorous style into this French dialogue. He manages to hold the whole film together from beginning to end. Fanny Ardant is perfectly cast as the elegant but lost estate owner with her own grief and finances issues. Émilie Dequenne and Philippe Bas, as the goodhearted groundskeeper, complement the lead characters with heart-warming moments and romance. Unfortunately, the first time, the director failed to stick to the landing as the conclusion was less than satisfying. Still, the journey will be rewarding enough to keep people through to the finale.
Mr Blake at Your Service is one of those hidden gems that will win over the greatest sceptics of French cinema. For those looking for a quaint and quirky side of the human condition that includes friendship, hope and love, this might be the one for you.
REEL DIALOGUE: We all mourn differently
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” – 1 Corinthians 15:55
Death can be an exceptionally sad topic and should be handled respectfully, but it can provide discussions of hope and assurance. Especially when Jesus is incorporated into the discussion, because through his story, he can prove that death does not have to be something to fear.
Through Jesus’s work, His followers can be assured of where they will spend eternity, and this can provide hope for their future. He is the conqueror of death and gives an answer to the inevitable question, ‘What happens after we die?’ It is a better answer than any tree monster or other religion or philosophy can offer.
Passage to consider on the topic: Matthew 10:28, John 11: 25, John 14:1-3,
If you are hurting, one of the best books on the subject of suffering: If I were God, I’d End All the Pain: Struggling with Evil, Suffering and Faith by John Dickson
Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.
All images: Movie publicity
About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.