Straight from the pages of Gilles Legardinier’s international hit novel, Complètement Cramé! – which was translated into 17 languages and sold over a million copies across 22 countries – comes Mr Blake At Your Service, a romantic comedy-drama starring John Malkovich and French screen icon, Fanny Ardant.
Malkovich plays a charming British businessman, Andrew Blake, still grieving the death of his beloved wife. To be closer to her, he decides to return to their first meeting place, a ramshackle French country estate, now owned by the graceful and aloof Madame de Beauvillier (Fanny Ardant). Under the guise as her butler, Blake has arrived when the estate is now a shadow of its former self. Housekeeper Odile (Dequenne) and fieldsman Magnier (Bas) are at their lowest ebb with Madame and keeping the house inhabitable. Now with Blake, their zest for living is renewed, prompting them to start working together to restore the manor’s former beauty and receive paying guests.
Mr Blake is a leisurely watch that feeds the senses. The editing is a little choppy and Malkovich’s British American French delivery can be distracting. But give over to it to while away a cold wintry evening. The supporting characters also make it a worthwhile watch.
Mr Blake opens nationally today. Check your local guides for screening times.
About Mr Blake At Your Service
Running Time: 127 Minutes
Rating: MA 15+
Language: French with English subtitles
Directed by Gilles Legardinier
Stars John Malkovich, Fanny Ardant, Emilie Dequenne, Philippe Bas
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