Maman est chez le coiffeur (2008) User Reviews

Coping from a bad mom does pays off

[maximkong · 6/10 · 18 November 2012]

One may find the initial shock of the mother literally dumping away her maternal responsibilities and abandoning her kids, over some blatantly common relationship conflict, knowing oh so well how much they needed her, a disgusting representation to all mothers really. However the film turns out to be pretty clever and magnificent in bringing out the way these children and their townfolk neighbourhood peers handle their own ups and downs of life in a realistic but positive manner.

I cant help but admire their determination to stay as who they are and remain supportive of their own families whilst (most of) the adults on the other hand are portrayed as chaotic and miserable as they lost control of their own family lives. Not to mention the ending which is itself smart and a sharp pinpoint to the flow of the whole fiasco because, sometimes things takes a really really long time before they arrive at happy endings. This movie stands out to me because it is unlike many others which force their way, skipping many timelines and disrupting the flow just to arrive at a satisfactory ending.

bittersweet film

[WilliamCKH · 9/10 · 1 March 2009]

This was a very good surprise movie. I saw it at Cineqest, a film festival Northern California, walking in blindly without knowing much about it. From the title "My Mother is at the Hairdresser's" I was expecting a light comedy. Though there are comic moments in the film, the movie really is a coming of age film. Set in the early 70's, in an idyllic setting, the film deals many issues that all families deal with, marriage problems, education, prejudice, isolation, but also is able to look at the bright side of life, young love, community bonding, etc., and looks at them in a very honest way.

The real find is Marianne Fortier, who plays the eldest daughter Elise. We see the film mostly through her eyes, and feel deep sympathy for her as she deals with a family breaking apart, a younger brother, whom she loves, being taken away. We see her cry very deep tears, yet hear her laughter throughout this wonderful film.

I'm really becoming quite fond of French Canadian cinema.This film, like so many others are filled with wonderful scenes of people being in nature, modern life being lived in very beautiful, natural settings. I'm reminded of many wonderful films, The Decline of the American Empire and The Barbarian Invasions, Seducing Dr. Lewis, Strangers in Good Company...and the quintissential Canadian film My Uncle Antoine. This film will enfold you, as all great films do, in its embrace and remind you of what it is to be human.

Best Canadian film I've seen in a long time

[accordcanada · 10/10 · 6 July 2008]

When I was in Montréal last weekend, I went to see MAMAN EST CHEZ LE COIFFEUR (MOMMY IS AT THE HAIRDRESSER'S) with two friends. Even though there were no English subtitles, my American friend was able to follow the simple storyline, but we both missed most of the jokes.

When the credits rolled at the end, I wanted to clap, but everyone in the full theatre sat in reverent silence. Afterwards, we couldn't stop raving over this beautiful piece of cinema. It was perhaps the best film I had seen in a long time.

Set in suburban Montréal in 1966, it's about a woman (Céline Bonnier)who leaves her husband (Laurent Lucas) and three children (Marianne Fortier, Élie Dupuis and Hugo St-Onge-Paquin) to take a journalist posting in London. It also features veteran actor Gabriel Arcand. Similar to other great French-Canadian films like LÉOLO and C.R.A.Z.Y., it uses humour to deal with serious subjects, in this case, parental abandonment.

Everyone in the cast was wonderful, but it's the children who make the movie so special.

Marianne Fortier, who played the title role in the controversial 2005 film AURORE, is convincing as the eldest child, Élise.

Élie Dupuis, who was discovered by the director on a TV variety show earlier in 2007, is Coco, who deals with his mother's absence by determinately building a go-cart and quietly crying in his bed.

I was actually most impressed with Hugo St-Onge-Paquin, who plays the youngest brother, Benoit. Even as I write this, I'm a little choked up as I remember the heart-breaking scenes where he chases after his mother's car and where he touches his mother's face on the television.

An unexpected delight was a small comedic role by Antoine Desrochers as Carl, a blond neighbour boy wearing lederhosen who shares tall tales about his lineage.

That day I also went to Archimbaud's on Ste-Catherine Street and bought the soundtrack which features the two songs by Élie (BANG BANG and THE GREAT ESCAPE), but unfortunately does not include the many great 60's era tunes in the movie.

I hope they decide to release it in English Canada, and if not, then soon on DVD. This bittersweet film and several of its performers are certainly worthy of Canada's Genie Awards, and maybe even an Oscar nomination.

Moving, fun, a delight!

[cinemainiac · 6 May 2008]

Seen in Montreal, in French, with English subtitles.

I highly recommend this film--the young actress, Marianne Fortier, is amazing--look out for her! She captured a 1950's fifteen year old very accurately: childlike sometimes, a woman sometimes, a sister, friend, daughter. Makes me want to find her only other film, Aurore (2005).

The other actors are good also, especially that playing her youngest brother, Hugo St-Onge-Paquin.

The script is believable, engaging and not predictable.

Go beyond any aversion you may have to subtitles on this one, it is worth your time.