Serious as Pleasure

Synopsis

Serious as Pleasure is a French-Italian comedy-drama directed by the renowned filmmaker, Robert Benayoun, starring the iconic Jane Birkin. The film artfully weaves together the stories of several characters, including a seductive woman, played by Birkin, who navigates the complexities of love, relationships, and the pursuit of happiness. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Paris, the narrative explores themes of desire and existential questioning, as each character grapples with the dichotomy of serious commitments and the joys of spontaneous pleasures. With its mix of humor and introspection, the film captures the essence of the 1970s avant-garde, showcasing a unique approach to storytelling that is both playful and thought-provoking. The interplay between lighthearted moments and deeper thematic elements invites audiences to reflect on their own life choices and the pursuit of joy in an increasingly complicated world.

Cast

• 

  Jane Birkin

  Ariane Berg

• Richard Leduc

  Bruno

• 

  Raymond Bussières

  Le pêcheur (Buster Keaton)

• Georges Mansart

  Patrice

• 

  Paul Demange

  Le "spécialiste" des jeux de cartes

• 

  Hubert Deschamps

  L'homme au restaurant

Reviews

Serious as Pleasure has elicited mixed to positive reactions from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently holds a rating of around 60% based on audience reviews, highlighting that while some found it charming, others deemed it a bit superficial. According to a review on IMDb, one viewer remarked, "Jane Birkin's performance shines, and her effortless charm carries the film, but the screenplay feels scattered at times." The film receives a 5.4/10 rating on IMDb, reflecting its polarizing nature. Metacritic users have expressed similar sentiments with a score of 53, indicating mixed or average reviews. A critique from The New York Times mentioned, "While the film flutters into the heart of Parisian life, it lacks a coherent structure, making it feel more like a series of vignettes rather than a unified narrative." Despite this, many fans appreciate the film's artistic direction and the joyful portrayal of life's pleasures, suggesting it's worth watching for its unique lens on relationships. Overall, Serious as Pleasure offers an intriguing experience for those willing to indulge in its whimsical storytelling, bolstered by Birkin's captivating presence.