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Reviews
Harry, un ami qui vous veut du bien (2000)
Resolving Issues from High School
In high school (Lycee), Michel wrote impressive poetry and memorable stories for the school magazine. He looked to be destined for a serious literary career, and Harry hero worshiped him, idolized him. Harry wanted, more than anything else, to be Michel's best friend and help him in his literary career.
And Michel barely knew that Harry existed.
We first see Michel many years later. He is in an un-air-conditioned automobile in the French countryside on a very hot day. His wife is hot and cranky; his three small girls are even hotter and crankier. Michel is stuck in a job, teaching French to Japanese, that does not have a lot of prospect of advancement. He has not written in years and years. He is feeling overwhelmed and trapped by a number of things.
Harry recognizes Michel at a highway rest stop and introduces himself. Harry was so far outside Michel circle in high school that Michel does not remember him.
Harry's obsession with gaining Michel's friendship returns, and Harry is determined to do anything that he can to help Michel.
And Harry succeeds. He removes some distractions from Michel's life. He jump starts Michel's writing, and it looks as if Michel will continue to write. Finally, he helps Michel to understand how much his wife and his children really mean to him.
What more can a friend do? Please don't let me mislead you. This is a horror movie. Some people find it funny, but I don't.
A number of people who have commented on this film think that Harry is a projection of what Michel would like to be, or that Harry is a projection of Michel's dark side. Or maybe, that Harry is the Devil. I don't buy any of this, and I have written this review to suggest a different interpretation. One could easily make a film in which Harry is a projection of Michel's darkest impulses, and it might even be a more interesting film than this one, but that is a different film.
I think Harry is a very real person who is just trying to resolve old issues left over from high school. Left over issues from high school are quite creepy enough. There is no need to involve deep repressed desires or the Devil.
Oyster Farmer (2004)
Excellent Movie, but Not a Romantic Comedy
Some other reviewers have described Oyster Farmer as a romantic comedy, and I believe that the film is ill served by this description. If you expect a romantic comedy, you are likely to be be disappointed, and your expectations may interfere with taking this excellent film on its own terms.
It is hard to say what the genre is. "Humorous, wry drama" and "comedy drama" are good attempts by other reviewers. Basically, it is just a story. A gentle story. It is not a caper film. It is not going to turn into a slapstick chase for the missing money. It is not going to turn into Deliverance. The director is playing with these expectations, and they very much contribute to the overall effect of the film, but for me, they were also a distraction the first time that I saw the film.
Oyster Farmer plays around with situations that could suddenly turn very bad, and in some movies they would. But not here.