The Valet

Master of the ebullient French farce, director Francis Veber (“The Dinner Game,” 23rd CIFF) delivers yet another witty, energetic film filled with mishaps and mayhem in THE VALET. Outside a swanky Parisian restaurant, François Pignon parks cars for a wealthy clientele. His life is devastatingly uneventful until he gets caught in the adulterous escapades of billionaire Pierre Levasseur. While Pierre and his supermodel mistress Elena argue on the street near François's post, a paparazzo snaps a shot of the high-profile couple. Needless to say, Pierre's wife Christine (Kristin Scott Thomas) isn't too pleased about the picture she sees in the paper the next morning. To avert divorce, which would leave Pierre penniless, he devises a convoluted scheme involving François, an innocent passerby in the photo. If he can assure Christine that Elena is actually dating François, Pierre will be home free. But first he must convince fastidious Elena to move into François's crummy apartment. Veber once again combines spot-on performances by the superbly cast leads and a sharp script for an entirely enjoyable film. (In French with English subtitles) – E.J.B.