An aging British couple, Nick and Meg, played by Jim Broadbent and Lindsay Duncan, have come to Paris by train to celebrate their 30th anniversary. But there's a problem. He loves her, but not she, him. And, not far into the movie, Lindsay has proved herself the quintessential, mean-spirited bitch. Nevertheless, Nick's love for her persists, and no matter how hard he tries, she won't have any of it, though at times she hints otherwise. In what may be the most memorable scene, Nick seems to be making real progress when Meg tempts, then rejects an attempted carnal sniff. Fortunately, Nick and the story are saved when he meets an old friend, Morgan, played by Jeff Goldbloom, who invites them to a dinner party in his large, Paris apartment. Unlike Nick, Morgan is a success, and credits much of it to Nick, who sits and listens sadly to Morgan's praises. Later, at the dinner table, Morgan delivers a great self-congratulatory speech, with even more praise for Nick, who is then moved to publicly confess his failures, most notably his marriage to Meg. Nick's comments both embarrass and impress Meg, who now sees something in him she likes, and they leave Morgan's apartment with hopeful expectation, albeit short-lived. They are broke and can't pay the hotel bill. So, what to do? Of course, they walk out of the hotel, find a bar, and start downing drinks they can't pay for either...now looking very down, but not yet out, and still together. Before they hit bottom, Nick reaches out for help, in the same way as his moocher-of-a-son, whom he has just given the boot. Do Nick and Meg get a second chance? To know the answer, you will have to see the movie. And, after watching, you will wonder how many marriages resemble Nick and Meg's. Just be glad yours is not among them. Or, is it?
Review of Le Week-End
