In "The Girl from Monaco," Bertrand(Fabrice Luchini) is a top criminal lawyer in Monaco to defend Edith(Stephane Audran) on charges of killing her lover. He was hired by her son Louis(Gilles Cohen) in order to stop his mother from defending herself in court, having already dismissed several lawyers. Against the
possibility of retaliation by the victim's family, he has also gone to the trouble of hiring Christophe(Roschdy Zem), a bodyguard, to protect Bertrand which he thinks is foolish. That is until Christophe helps in getting rid of Helene(Jeanne Balibar), a particularly troublesome lover. After that, the two men bond but Christophe can do nothing to protect Bertrand from the charms of Audrey(Louise Bourgoin), the local weather girl.
"The Girl from Monaco" is a sexy legal drama about control. Both Bertrand and Christophe need it to be successful in their professions. Bertrand needs control over every word in the courtroom and when he seduces women. Christophe needs it over the environment to protect his clients and emotions. What they also have in common is a lack of serious involvement with women(nothing wrong with this, as long as nobody gets hurt) which is why they are so concerned about their lack of control over Audrey who is sex personified and a force of nature, if you will. She is not crazy, nor is Helene, just passionate.
July 19, 2009
Top Critic
