Set in the world of theater and cinema, “Le Beau Role” brings together Vimala Pons and William Lebghil. But what did viewers think of this romantic comedy?
Among the actors and actresses who arouse immediate sympathy in French cinema, Vimala Pons and William Lebghil are there. Although they had never filmed together, Victor Rodenbach had the good idea of bringing them together in his first feature film, Le Beau role.
A romantic comedy in the image of its performers, funny, offbeat and endearing, which takes place in the world of theater and cinema, and whose starting point is personal for the director.
The latter was indeed inspired by his relationship with Pauline Bayle, stage director, in order to look at the difficulties of reconciling life, love and work, as well as the complexity of creative relationships in the artistic environment.
Released this Wednesday, December 18 in cinemas, the result is this great romantic comedy, whose title has a double meaning: “It could be the one Nora [Vimala Pons] must redistribute after Henri's departure [William Lebghil] like the one Henri runs after in the castings he is going to take in Paris.
But it's also the one that we try in turn to give each other as a couple when things start to get rocky and the conversation slips.” But what did the spectators think?
With an average of 3.7 out of 5 obtained from 29 ratings*, The Beautiful Role starts a little above Vincent Must Die (3.4) and Youssef Salem has success (3.6) in the career recent by Vimala Pons. And one of William Lebghil's best films in recent years, tied with A Serious Job (3.7) and just behind The Life of My Mother (3.8).
What do spectators think of “The Beautiful Role”?
“A very true film, very accurate actors, who resemble us”are enthusiastic Perliminpine (5 out of 5). “A story that makes us dream in all its simplicity and everyday life. A scenario where we all find extracts from our lives and our human complexities.”
While J__ et Noah Gandillot (same note both) qualify it as “bijou”the second speaks of it as a “French-style rom com like we rarely do in France. Everything works! A clever script, which avoids any ease for the actors, absolutely perfect. It's rhythmic, sensitive, funny, it makes you want to go to the movies more!”
Words that echo those of Ben Chollet (also 5 out of 5): “Superb romantic comedy! Funny, moving, intelligent, modern. Qualities that are too rare among French films of the genre. Never laughed and cried so much in such a short time.”
Or those of Nicolabbb13 (The same) : “A tender and gentle comedy like we rarely see. A great time.” “Le Beau Rôle is a nice surprise, a film that refreshes French romantic comedies”confirms for his part Taylor 92 (idem).
“I really liked the duo formed by Vimala Pons and William Lebghil, very accurate and endearing in their roles. The story, which is between theater and cinema, is simple and touching at the same time.”
This Internet user is not the only one to highlight actors: christelle eichert speaks like this about “perfect casting”, Paul Wardus of a “William Lebghil particularly fair” et Lamexe of “fantastic comedians.”
“A French-style rom com like we rarely do in France”
And the story is the same for those who put a lower note. As Clement B. (4 out of 5) who greets a “memorable Vimala Pons”while JC Raymond (same note) evokes “funny and touching actors” et jobreaker (4.5 out of 5) “awesome actors”.
“To see especially for the beautiful alchemy between the duo of actors”écrit Yann C. (3.5 out of 5). “Above average for the usual romantic comedies.”
“Very succinctly, the film is relatively basic but immerses us in a very interesting world, the world of cinema”this Arthur Guezou (also 3.5), which evokes the mise en abyme at work in this film of which “There is nothing bad about the production but it is not brilliant”.
“Seeing the bridge between theater and cinema, the actors alternate perfectly between a theatrical performance and a cinematic performance. Not to mention that the protagonists are sufficiently characterized and endearing.”
As Yann C.and despite a lower rating (3 out of 5), crossing1 loves the chemistry between Vimala Pons and William Lebghil.
More “the plot slips a little in its middle and the supporting roles are too inconsistent for us to be interested in them but as its two performers appear, together or individually, almost always on the screen, the company, more than sympathetic in its modesty, reaches its target, that is to say our emotions, within a story in which everyone will recognize themselves, in one way or another, even without exercising an artistic activity.”
“It’s typically the kind of film that you watch without any real displeasure, but which will quickly be forgotten”
“Beautiful first film, with a predictable but well-written script, very good actors and fair and gripping direction”said for his part Marouchka Winter (3.5 out of 5), while the most negative review posted to date, by Cinemadourgcomes with a rating of… 2 out of 5.
“It’s cute, but it doesn’t break a duck’s three legs!”we can read there. “Here we dive into a little unpretentious romantic comedy in the very particular world of spectacle (cinema and theater).”
“The love story with 'twists and turns' is nice, nothing more, some characters only seem there to fill the screen. Frankly, I didn't find the whole thing very convincing or very touching. It's typically the kind of film that we watch without any real displeasure, but which will quickly be forgotten. Anodyne, predictable and a little bland.”
In summary
If the casting is unanimous among those who mention them (and it is indeed difficult not to succumb to the charm of Vimala Pons and William Lebghil), it is the approach to the romantic comedy by The Beautiful Role which is most often put forward.
Both in its way of bringing a little freshness to the genre and in the mise en abyme that its plot allows, located in the worlds of cinema and theater. The negative comments, however, are few in number, and the not very transcendent production or the story considered conventional are singled out.
And you ? What did you think of this Beautiful role?
*Notes as of Thursday December 19, 2024
