El origen del mundo

An adaptation of an apparently very well known play which was inspired by the famous painting of the same name, this is now on Netflix but I hope that doesn't potentially put anyone off, and I think they just bought the distribution rights anyway. It centres around how fortysomething lawyer Jean-Louis one day notices that his heart has stopped beating, and after consulting a vet friend and speaking to his wife's lifestyle guru Margaux, he believes he has three days to either see or take a picture of his elderly mother's vagina or he will die.

Despite the fantastical set up it's grounded in reality, as it mixes farce with a hint of comedy of manners and makes a fair few observations about the lives of these individuals, and it plays out perfectly, this is one of the funniest films I've seen in a long time. In a very slight, minor way, it occasionally reminded me of a French version of Seinfeld, albeit without a Kramer type figure, and not just because one of the characters looks a little George-esque, and that's meant as a compliment of the highest order too as the three main leads do their very best to carry out the ridiculous plans they devise.

It's best watched going in knowing as little as possible so I'd avoid the trailer, and I really think this is an absolute must see, I know that my overhyping it might lead to high expectations but I'd be very surprised if this doesn't make it in to my Top 10 favourite films of the year come the end of December.

Someone else here said only the French can do this and I totally concur .... maybe the Spanish could make this film in 2020 but all other nations I can think of would be too shy too reserved too uncomfortable to go there ....

It is an hilarious piece which contains or subsumes a lot of Freud a lot of psychotherapy some New-Age elements too and wraps it all up in a bawdy comedic piece in a slow deliberate fashion. We see it is entirely the creation of Laurent Lafitte from The Comédie Française; a register of highly-skilled actors; in which he is the main character/actor. The other 3 or 4 significant players here are also very good

Enjoy it ... it will test a lot of folks who believe they are francophiles .... but is worth the journey .... a solid 9 for me.

Tired of comedies with similar storyline ?

Well, you will be in for a refreshing treat with this French comedy!

Careful, though, as it is VERY different !!!

Great casting.

I am french and already convinced by the selected actors of this movie. Discovering Laurent Lafitte as a movie maker and this is a success. The storie of this movie is surprising the audience until the end. Now i'm waiting for your second movie, Mr Lafitte!

I enjoyed this film. I'm not French but I get the humor. It's really funny the way Jean-Louis, Valerie and Michel conspire to obtain a non-digital photo of Jean-Louis' "origin." And dear Brigitte's unintended revelations are the piece de resistance. Surely, Helene Vincent is the darling of the show.

This film is an example of comedy as fine art.