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HAPPENSTANCE Send This Review to a Friend
Do you believe in fate? "Happenstance," a film from France, is built upon the premise that seemingly unrelated events can eventually connect, and in this case, the result is romance. It all begins when Irene, who works as a store clerk and is played by the lovely, attractive actress of the moment, Audrey Tautou, is taking the metro to her job in Paris. (Tautou is the star of the hit "Amelie" and previously made an impact in "Venus Beauty Institute.") Irene's horoscope predicts that she'll meet true love this very day. Could it be the guy sitting across from her? He's played by the interesting looking Faudel, a singing star whose specialty is North African music.
After they get off and talk long enough to learn that they share the same birthday, they depart in different directions. The conceit of the film, directed by Laurent Firode, is that a series of encounters on both parts will trigger events that eventually lead them back together. We know that's the point, but the frothy entertainment lies in the different situations along the way and the odd collection of characters whom we meet.
This is not a new concept, and the film amounts to unabashed contrivance, as well as being overly cute. However, "Happenstance" takes us on a jaunty tour through Paris and we see how different people live and try to survive. Best of all the film affords yet another opportunity to see Tautou, a very special actress who radiates appeal and is France's bright new star. A Lot 47 Films release.
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