Gazon Maudit (French Twist)

Josiane Balasko, France 1995, 105 minutes

Gazon Maudit, aka French Twist, tells the tale of a love affair with a difference. Loli Lafaye (Victoria Abril also in Spanking The Monkey) is the sweet and tolerant wife of Laurent (Alain Chabat), a successful businessman. Loli believes they have a happy marriage, but Laurent is a womaniser with a string of mistresses. Loli unwittingly gains revenge on her husband when, by a French Twist of fate, Marijo (director Josiane Balasko) visits the household when her van breaks down outside the couples house. Loli is rapidly seduced by Marijo and Laurent's reaction only drives the two closer together.

Marijo is a trucker, a DJ and a plumber but, more importantly, a woman. The resulting chain of events is both hilarious and bizarre in a film that puts a new slant on extra marital affairs. Laurent, a sexist homophobe, had always described his wife as the "faithful type" and his reaction to her change of character is exquisite to watch. Look out for the expression on Laurent's face when he notices Loli and Marijo touching one another under the dining table.

The beauty of the film lies in the way the mix of different characters create an explosive plot. Laurent is an arrogant, insensitive liar. Loli is a docile, bored housewife. Marijo has short hair, dresses like a man and drives a truck. These are all familiar stereotypical characters admittedly, but they are brought together in a distinctly innovative way; a striking spin on the standard menage a trois plot for sure.

Set in rural France, Gazon Maudit brings together light comedy and colourful characters - a delight to watch.

Review by Sophie Cruickshank
Taken from EUFS Programme 1997-98