Park Benches (Bancs publics) (Versailles rive droite)

Part of the BAMcinematek series New French Films

Sat, Nov 14 at 2, 4:30, 6:50, 9:15pm

Directed by Bruno Podalydès
With Denis Podalydès, Bruno Podalydès, Hippolyte Girardot, Thierry Lhermitte, Olivier Gourmet

(2009) 110min

With over 86 speaking parts, Podalydès has assembled an all-star, ensemble cast including Catherine Deneuve, Mathieu Amalric, and Chiara Mastroianni in this film about the everyday lives of Parisians living in the wealthy suburb of Versailles. Park Benches is a witty, incisive examination of contemporary France and urban alienation that was a huge success on its theatrical release in France. The film is the final entry in Podalydès' "Versailles Trilogy," which also includes A Night in Versailles and Only God Sees Me. Denis Podalydès plays the protagonist in all three films, but each stands on its own and can be seen without being familiar with the others. Courtesy of IFC Films.