Inspired by Vanessa Paradis' cover of July 2010 Bazaar and my recent trip to Paris I wanted to watch an iconic French film. I decided to avoid the obvious (Amelie) and watch something with a little bit more grit; so with a little investigation I uncovered Paradis' first foray into film in 1989: Noce Blanche (translates as White Wedding). This is a sort of coming of age film with a twist. Paradis plays a haunted ex prostitute and currently rebellious and failing highschool student who develops an infatuation with her fifty year old philosophy professor which quickly progresses from an intellectual endeavour to a passionate love affair. The crux of the storyline may therefore seem like the gratuitous indulgence of the elder man's fantasy scenario (and indeed the multiple full nude shots of Paradis' lithe yet shapely figure are bound to have been both shocking and appealing), yet the emotional tenor of the film is far more than simple lust or sexual gratification. Perverse as it may seem there is a genuine connection of friendship and familial affection between the two leads. Although the ending is tragic and melancholy it is also shockingly realistic and pathetic (in the sense of arousing pathos). I felt emotionally torn at the end between desire for them to realise a blissfully indulgent existence and also slight repulsion at the extremity of the age difference (not helped by the ethereal and unusual beauty of Paradis' youth, and the slightly portly and unattractive appearance of the elder man).
[In our current society it appears we have come to a point where it is acceptable for an older man to date a woman who is far younger, whereas if the situation is reversed (Sam Taylor Wood and Aaron Johnson) there is a collective display of disapproval and disgust. When did it become acceptable for such a double standard to exist between the macho elitism of a 'silver fox' acting as a sugar daddy, and the apparent disdain of a supposedly desperate cougar having a midlife crisis???? I could try to believe that yes, age is just a number, and I like to think that I am an incredibly liberal person but I think when the age gap is beyond two decades, no matter which sex is the elder, than it perhaps is a little odd.]
ANYWAY. I wasn't particularly a great fan of Vanessa Paradis prior to watching the film, most likely because a) she is in a relationship with Johnny Depp who is the epitome of my ideal man (although perhaps with several added inches of height) so I am extraordinarily jealous, and b) I had never seen any of her modelling or acting work and therefore assumed she was gliding along in the trail of fame which she garnered through a one hit wonder song 'Joe le taxi' when she was a young teen. I was however mistaken and am now completely converted. Not only did Noce Blanche cement Paradis as an iconic French woman of unusual beauty and unique style, but it uncovered her hidden talent for acting too (she was awarded a Cesar- the French equivalent of an Oscar- for 'most promising actor'). I now feel inclined to uncover her filmography on imdb and watch more of her films to see how her talent and beauty progressed and transformed over time up to the present. For now I am content to reflect on some of her red carpet appearances and envy both her extensive collection of Chanel items and her enviable man candy.
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