I watched an excellent French movie on SBS last night called The Closet, starring Daniel Auteuil, Gerard Depardieu and Thierry Lhermitte.
The main character was a nice, dull accountant who learns that he’s about to be sacked and contemplates suicide.
A new-found friend persuades him to pretend that he’s a homosexual, thereby raising the spectre of discrimination if he’s dismissed.
A couple of incriminating digitally enhanced photos are sent anonymously to the company, which coincidentally manufactures condoms.
The ploy works and the mild-mannered accountant is transformed in the eyes of his colleagues.
A homophobic rugby-playing HR manager is tricked by other workmates into trying to prove his new-age sensitivity by making friends with a man he otherwise would have despised. This creates an interesting sub-plot as the rugby man unravels.
There were some hilarious moments, like when the accountant was encouraged by his firm’s marketing staff to appear in a gay pride parade wearing a massive condom on his head. His tentative waves to the crowd captured the mood perfectly.
The rugby man was ultimately admitted to a mental institution and the accountant was eventually exposed as a fraud when his boss and visiting Japanese clients discovered him in a compromising position with a female supervisor he had previously accused of sexual harassment.
All this sounds implausible and surreal, but think of English comedy classic The Office and you’ll be half way to understanding the context.
This film deals with some complicated themes in a funny, entertaining and thoughtful manner. It shows how perceptions are shaped by caricature, rather than reality.
I was impressed by the writing, casting, acting and direction. I don’t watch many movies, but this one rates up there with the best of them.
Our English-language cinema seems to rely on big-name stars and special effects to win audience attention. This French film was simple in its presentation, but powerful in its message and satire while being enjoyable into the bargain.
