LE SENS DE LA FÊTE
C’EST LA VIE!
Olivier Nakache • Éric Toledano
(2017)
Max (Jean-Pierre Bacri), a seasoned wedding planner, has encountered a variety of clients with unique budget-conscious requests, such as eliminating appetizers, serving cocktails before guests enter the reception, or removing the white frames from photo frames. On occasion, when their demands become overly nitpicky, he sarcastically suggests that they bring their own food and decorate the venue themselves to further reduce costs.
The film follows the behind-the-scenes of the wedding party for Pierre (Benjamin Lavernhe) and Héléna (Judith Chemla), who have hired Max and his team to create a first-class wedding party at Château de Courances, the 17th-century French castle. However, the task proves challenging, as they must navigate numerous ridiculous obstacles along the way.
Max’s team is composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds, each with their own unique quirks. His assistant, Adèle (Eye Haïdara), has a fiery temper and is often the first to engage in arguments.
Renowned DJ Fab, the groom’s preferred choice, becomes unavailable on the wedding day, forcing Max to hire second-rate DJ James (Gilles Lellouche) instead.
Guy (Jean-Paul Rouve), a once-sought-after wedding photographer, has fallen out of favor with most wedding planners due to his habit of surreptitiously snacking on guest food at the party and his disdain for smartphone photographers.
Max’s romantic partner, Josiane (Suzanne Clément), is also a member of his team. However, their relationship appears to be on the brink of collapse.
Samy (Alban Ivanov), an auxiliary waiter summoned by Adèle due to a staffing shortage, is unfamiliar with the art of tableside service.
Julien (Vincent Macaigne), a waiter and Josiane’s brother, once had a romantic relationship with the bride.
The well-written script masterfully incorporates a diverse cast of characters with fascinating backgrounds into an engaging behind-the-scenes story of a wedding party, offering a unique perspective that is rarely seen on screen. As unexpected problems arise, the characters must confront them and find creative solutions, embodying Max’s motto, “On se calme et on s’adapte” (“We keep calm and adapt”). The ending is truly impressive, it leaves the audience with a sense of satisfaction.
LE SENS DE LA FÊTE premiered at Festival de Cannes on 17 May 2017. The film was theatrically released in France on 4 October.
