One Fine Day

While there are many films about the pursuit of happiness, little has been said about the consequences of happiness pursuing us. Nothing goes right for François Berthier. His espresso machine explodes, his boss yells at him, his wife is divorcing him, and he gets wiped off the tennis court in straight sets. Until one day (as they say in the movie trailers) things inexplicably take a turn for the better. His coffee is just so, he gets a promotion, cool women start to notice him, and his backhand even starts to work. François is off on the wildest and most terrifying ride of all—successful middle-class life. Benoît Poelvoorde gives a fine comic performance as a man who has spent a lifetime learning to be a failure, but who must now cope with the terrible weight of good fortune. How to explain the capricious benevolence of the fates? If it could start this suddenly, could it end with equal abruptness? Anyone who has had a bad day recently will be sure to relate to this sparkling French comedy about the unbearable responsibility of happiness.

Deliciously surreal (look out for the musical number!), and delightfully funny.

Edinburgh International Film Festival