The Valet

The Valet, a French film originally titled "La Doublure," is a hilarious romantic comedy that demonstrates an intricate plot brimming with love triangles, secret affairs, lies and colorful characters. Directed by Francis Veber, the movie captures a slice of Parisian life, with a narrative that is both a satire and a commentary on contemporary mores. Starring Gad Elmaleh, Alice Taglioni, and Daniel Auteuil, The Valet came out in 2006 and has won the hearts of audiences from all over the world with its clever storyline and engaging performances.

Centering around a billionaire industrialist named Pierre Levasseur (Daniel Auteuil), who is caught in a scandalous romance with a superstar model Elena (Alice Taglioni), The Valet is a comic examination of how the rich and famous struggle to keep their private lives out of the public eye, and how those from humbler walks of life can get caught up in the crossfire. Beyond the surface of its laugh-out-loud scenes, the film also delves deeply into themes of love, loyalty, deceit, and class distinction, all while keeping its light and enjoyable atmosphere.

Levasseur, a man who is used to getting everything he wants, finds himself in a tricky situation when he is caught by a paparazzo in a compromising position with his gorgeous supermodel mistress, Elena. Fearing the repercussions this exposure might have on his marriage to his super-wealthy wife, Christine (Kristin Scott Thomas), Pierre devises a plan to persuade Elena to pretend that she is actually dating a passerby who was accidentally captured in the photograph along with them.

This unsuspecting bystander happens to be François Pignon (Gad Elmaleh), a valet parker for a Parisian restaurant. François is a simple, down-to-earth, low-paid car parker who is trying to win back his long-term girlfriend, Émilie (Virginie Ledoyen), who recently broke up with him. All the more poignant is the fact that he is oblivious to this unrequited love's depth, for he is equally hapless in his professional life, forever nervous and forever seeking to do the right thing.

François' life is transformed forever when Pierre offers him a deal to pose as Elena's boyfriend. Although hesitant initially, François is swayed by the prospect of winning back Émilie and financial compensation, all while getting involved in a charade that promises some comedic escapades.

The Valet's storyline intricately weaves together this comical, albeit preposterous plot, as it also showcases the bizarre and surprising situations these characters find themselves in. Gad Elmaleh, known for his deadpan comic timing, beautifully portrays François' character and his unpredictable journey from being a naïve valet parker to being in the limelight as Elena's pretend boyfriend. Alice Taglioni shines in her role as the supermodel who must pretend to live a lie to cover up her clandestine affair. Daniel Auteuil gives an outstanding performance as the self-absorbed businessman desperate to hold on to his status and marriage.

Director Francis Veber successfully combines humor, romantic tension, and social critique in this farcical comedy. The screenplay is filled with humorous conversations and slapstick scenarios, giving viewers moments of laughter from start to finish. The script's cleverness lies in its ability to keep the viewer guessing about who ends up with who, as Veber plays off the characters against each other, each with their own motivations and intimate relationships.

Set in the picturesque backdrop of Paris, the movie exudes the charm of this romantic city, offering viewers a visual treat. The cinematography beautifully showcases the city's landmarks, cobblestone streets, elegant cafes, and luxurious apartments, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of the film.

Balanced with a mix of comedy and romance, The Valet is not your typical rom-com, but a breezy, funny, and sophisticated film that keeps viewers captivated with its sharp dialogue, endearing characters, and entertaining plot twists. The film shakes up the traditional formula of a romantic comedy in the most delightful ways, making The Valet a must-see for fans of French cinema or anyone looking for a light-hearted movie with depth.