Emmanuel Mouret is a delicious discovery for anyone who enjoys classic Woody Allen and Èric Rohmer – or just talkative French relationship films that do not take themselves too seriously in general. Caprice is the last of Mouret’s works to date in which the auteur himself appears in a starring role, in an Allen-esque turn as a slightly awkward guy who finds himself caught between two lovely actresses. Romantic comedy and refined farce meet in the most French way possible.
As mild-mannered as his name, Clément (Mouret) is a primary school teacher and occasional writer who likes to spend his free time in the theatre admiring beautiful performer Alicia (Virginie Efira). When Clément ends up as Alicia’s nephew’s remedial teacher, distant admiration turns first to acquaintanceship and soon to romance. Unpredictable theatre stalls acquaintance Caprice (Anaïs Demoustier), who dreams of a career on stage, proves to be determined in her interest towards him, and one thing leads to another in this relationship as well… Soon, the poor man has no idea how to handle the situation that has cooked up. Left by his wife, Clément’s friend and colleague Thomas (Laurent Stocker) becomes the fourth wheel as he gets closer to Alicia.
Advancing with a light touch, Caprice reminds that on the stage of relationships, we all must play a part.
Suvi Heino