French Fried Vacation

French Fried Vacation
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Patrice Leconte
Screenplay by	Patrice Leconte Le Splendid
Produced by	Yves Rousset-Rouard
Starring	Josiane Balasko Michel Blanc Marie-Anne Chazel Christian Clavier Gérard Jugnot Thierry Lhermitte
Cinematography	Jean-François Robin
Music by	Michel Bernholc Serge Gainsbourg
Production company	Trinacra Films
Distributed by	Compagnie Commerciale Française Cinématographique
Release date	22 November 1978 (1978-11-22) (France)
Running time	92 minutes
Country	France
Language	French
Box office	$17.3 million[1]

French Fried Vacation (French: Les Bronzés, [le bʁɔ̃ze]) is a 1978 cult French comedy film directed by Patrice Leconte. The film satirizes life resorts such as Club Med. It is one of many films by the French comedy group Le Splendid. Josiane Balasko, Michel Blanc, Marie-Anne Chazel, Gérard Jugnot, Thierry Lhermitte and Christian Clavier wrote and created together the play "Amours, Coquillages et Crustacés", and drew the scenario for Les Bronzés from this café-théâtre piece.^[2] The film has achieved cult status in France, where it sold 2.2 million tickets during its initial theatrical release.

It was followed by two sequels, also directed by Patrice Leconte: Les Bronzés font du ski (1979) and Les Bronzés 3: Amis pour la vie (2006).

Plot

In 1978, Gigi, Jérôme, Christiane, Jean-Claude, and Bernard simultaneously arrive at the Club Med in Assinie, Côte d'Ivoire, each with their distinct personalities. The vacation spot operates on a system where guests pay with beads worn as necklaces and enjoy a series of organized activities and shared leisure facilitated by "gentil organisateurs" (G.O.) for the "gentil membres" (clients).

Bernard reunites with his wife Nathalie, who has been at the village for a week. Popeye, the sports chief, along with animators Bobo and Bourseault, welcome them. The small group quickly forms bonds, as everyone hopes to make new connections. Both Bernard and Nathalie decide to have extramarital affairs, while Jérôme, a doctor, and Jean-Claude engage in unsuccessful attempts at flirting. Gigi finds love with Bourseault, while Christiane faces rejection.

However, a serious incident marks the end of their stay as Bourseault, Gigi's love interest, unexpectedly dies from a stingray sting. Following this tragedy, Nathalie and Bernard decide to stop their affairs, especially after Jean-Claude's unsuccessful advances. Bobo resigns in the aftermath.

Cast

• Josiane Balasko as Nathalie Morin
• Gérard Jugnot as Bernard Morin
• Marie-Anne Chazel as Gigi
• Christian Clavier as Docteur Jerome Tarere
• Michel Blanc as Jean-Claude Dusse
• Thierry Lhermitte as Popeye
• Luis Rego as Bobo
• Martin Lamotte as Miguel
• Dominique Lavanant as Christiane
• Bruno Moynot as Gilbert Sellman
• Michel Creton as Bourseault
• Guy Laporte as Marcus
• Pascale Deneu
• Marion Lanez
• Sylvie Obry

References

1. "Les Bronzés (1978)". JP Box Office. Retrieved 22 November 2007.
2. Paris Match No.2921 12–18 May 2005

External links

• Les Bronzés at IMDb
• French Fried Vacation at Rotten Tomatoes