Same Old Song (1999)

TOMATOMETER

67%

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Critic Consensus: No consensus yet.

AUDIENCE SCORE

80%

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Movie Info

In this homage to acclaimed TV scripter Dennis Potter (1935-1994), famed 75-year-old French director Alain Resnais (Hiroshima, Mon Amour, Last Year at Marienbad) has actors lip-synch in a manner instantly recalling Potter's Pennies from Heaven (1978 TV serial, 1981 movie) and The Singing Detective (1986), regarded by some as the best original work ever created for television. Completing her history dissertation, Camille (Agnes Jaoui) is a Paris tour guide, and Simon (Andre Dussolier) is a regular on her tours because he's attracted to Camille -- although he claims to be researching his historical radio dramas. Camille's sister, business-executive Odile (Sabine Azema), is married to weak, furtive Claude (Pierre Arditi). In the past Odile was close to successful businessman Nicolas (Jean-Pierre Bacri), now married with kids and returning to Paris after an eight-year absence. Odile seeks an apartment from real estate agent Marc (Lambert Wilson). Camille and Marc begin an affair. Nicolas is also looking for an apartment, since he hopes to eventually have his family join him in Paris. These characters make easy transitions back and forth from the dialogue to 36 song fragments. The film's debt to Dennis Potter is acknowledged with a dedication in the opening credits.

Cast

Pierre Artidi
as Claude
Pierre Arditi
as Claude
Sabine Azéma
as Odile Lalande
André Dussollier
as Simon
Agnès Jaoui
as Camille Lalande
Lambert Wilson
as Marc Duveyrier
Jane Birkin
as Jane
Jean-Paul Roussillon
as Father
Nelly Borgeaud
as Doctor No. 3
Götz Burger
as Von Choltitz
Jean-Pierre Darroussin
as Young Man with Cheque
Charlotte Kady
as Restaurant Customer
Jacques Mauclair
as Doctor No. 1
Pierre Meyrand
as Cafe Owner
Claire Nadeau
as Female Guest
Dominique Rozan
as Elderly Man
Jean-Chrétien Sibertin-Blanc
as Young Fired Man
Bonnafet Tarbouriech
as Doctor No. 2
Jean-Pierre Bacri
as Nicolas
Wilfred Benaiche
as Restaurant Owner
Françoise Bertin
as Little Lady on Tour
Robert Bouvier
as Guest
Frederique Cantrel
as Female Guest
Jérôme Chappatte
as Guest
Romaine De Nando
as Nurse
Nathalie Jeannet
as Female Guest
Delphine Quentin
as Young Woman Kissing
Geoffroy Thiebaut
as Marc's Colleague
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Critic Reviews for Same Old Song

All Critics (15) | Top Critics (3)

A comedy about real estate and class differences, this was the biggest hit of Resnais' career in France, superbly capturing Paris in the 90s.

May 8, 2014 | Full Review…
Chicago Reader
Top Critic

This is a puny benefit for a device that's arbitrary and precious and results in slowing down scenes and conversations for no reason but cuteness.

Oct 30, 2001 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review…
San Francisco Chronicle
Top Critic

By the end of the film you've become more than superficially acquainted with six recognizable and complicated individuals. How many movie musicals can make that claim?

Oct 30, 2001 | Rating: 3/5
New York Times
Top Critic

Sublime work from an old but still innovative French New Waver.

Apr 18, 2008 | Rating: 5/5
KPBS.org

Densely plotted and endearingly neurotic.

Aug 29, 2006 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…
TV Guide

Give Resnais credit for trying something different.

Oct 21, 2002 | Full Review…
San Diego Metropolitan
View All Critic Reviews (15)

Audience Reviews for Same Old Song

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