I first saw this film several years ago at a festival (Jewish film? gay film? French film? -- I can't be sure now) in New York and was enchanted. It has since been released on DVD (VERY cheap in France) and have had the pleasure of watching it several more times. To a non-Jewish gay man, currently living in France (me), it's extremely appealing. Antoine de Caunes has a delectable physique, amply on display in the opening scenes at one of Paris's many gay bathhouses -- adorably cute face, great torso, nice ass -- and in the wedding night scene -- where, if we are to believe the look on Elsa Zylberstein's face -- we find out that his cock is something to shout about as well. OK, there's the gay appeal -- and the story line is also quite acceptable: Simon is slowly convinced by the very charming Zylberstein that he may, indeed, be capable of finding satisfaction as her husband, but, ultimately, realizes that a leopard doesn't change his spots. The scenes in Brooklyn with her orthodox family are amusing, and the actress playing Simon's mother is chic and appealing. The only really unbelievable aspect of the film is the casting of less-than-thrilling Gad Elmaleh as the cousin with whom Simon is in love. He may have qualities that appeal to Simon, but the script does not reveal them, and his physical attractiveness is not (at least to my eyes) overwhelming. Have I overconcentrated on the gay element? Well, then, let me add that the music throughout is beautiful, both the klezmer clarinet and the Zylberstein character's singing (both dubbed by other performers). There is one highly original moment: listen to what happens at the moment when Zylberstein loses her virginity!
Review of Man Is a Woman
