Directors' work shines in whimsical film 'The Fairy'

By Rick Bentley

04/26/12 16:02:48

Dominique Abel, Fiona Gordon and Bruno Romy are all credited with directing "The Fairy."

They obviously work well together because the film embraces absurdity, revels in lunacy and basks in buffoonery to the point it becomes a whimsical and wonderful ride through a mad world.

Dom (Abel) is a beleaguered hotel clerk in the port town of Le Havre whose life changes when Fiona (Gordon), a barefoot, self-proclaimed fairy, shows up to grant him three wishes. Dom immediately uses two wishes to get a scooter and a lifetime supply of gas.

He gets more than the three wishes when the pair fall in love and have a child all in a matter of days. When the pair get separated, Dom's quest to find Fiona is the kind of madcap romp that would make Buster Keaton proud.

It's obvious Abel and Gordon have worked together in several previous films, showing an ability to communicate simply through a look. There is a natural connection between them, whether they are escaping from a mental institution or dancing under the sea.

The actors are so gangly, non-Hollywood looking that their tightly choreographed dance numbers are a samba of silliness. Their antics are so over the top that the film often seems like a live-action cartoon, especially in the way the lead actors so easily handle the physical comedy.

The trio of directors shows that humor can come from the simplest of acts. Dom's attempts to eat a sandwich work so well because the joke is repeated just enough to get laughs but never to the point of tedium.

There are a couple of scenes that should have been tightened, but overall the film has a fun rhythm.

"The Fairy" is outlandish, illogical and looney -- all things that make for a fun time. If you are ever given three wishes by a fairy, use at least one to see this movie.


MOVIE REVIEW

"The Fairy ("La Fée")," unrated but has language, partial nudity. Stars Dominique Abel, Fiona Gordon, Philippe Martz. Directed by Dominique Abel, Fiona Gordon and Bruno Romy. In French with English subtitles. Running time: 93 minutes. Grade: A-


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