La Moustache

As you might have guessed this film, directed by Emmanuel Carrère, is about a moustache – or the lack thereof. The plot revolves around a bourgeois Parisian couple, Marc and Agnès, and the surreal consequences that ensue after Marc shaves his moustache of fifteen years. The film wastes no time dispensing with the ‘stache’ and Marc’s hope for petty surprise and attention are dashed when none of his peers acknowledge the sudden absence. Marc suspects them of playing an elaborate joke on him, but as he becomes more paranoid they become more resolved that it never existed. Gradually, everything he felt certain about is questionable and previous facts become delusions. The film focuses all the more on Marc as his grip on reality disintegrates leading him to flee to Hong Kong, a place as foreign to him as Paris has become. Don’t let the film’s simple title and simple sounding plot discourage you from watching this gem. The cinematography is beautiful and equally matched by a haunting score by Philip Glass. If you’re already a fan of contemporary French cinema (especially the bourgeois surrealist stuff) then you’ve probably already seen this. If you do watch this film and find you liked it after all, then check out Michael Haneke’s Caché.

Good - a psychological thriller about a moustache? and it works? trés bien!

Score by Philip Glass
Directed by Emmanuel Carrère