Heartbreaker

Colour, 35 mm
France, Monaco, 2010, 105 min
Section: Official Selection - Out of Competition

Synopsis

Alex is a good-looking, funny young man with a spark in his eye. He’s got everything it takes to win any woman who takes his fancy. Why shouldn’t he make a living from such a talent? Alex and his sister operate a business offering truly special services: they break up love relationships on demand. Their one ethical condition stipulates that the relationship must involve at least one unhappy partner. One day a wealthy man hires them because he is unsatisfied with his daughter Juliette’s husband-to-be. The "traders in happiness” have only one week, though – and on top of that, Juliette seems happy. French film stars Romain Duris and Vanessa Paradis perform their roles as heartbreaker and happy bride with palpable relish. This light romantic comedy (with a dash of drama and a predictable ending) is a welcome surprise to the ever-popular genre. The film also serves as an offbeat tribute to the unforgettable Dirty Dancing.

About the director

Pascal Chaumeil (France) is a director and screenwriter. He began his career in the late 1980s as assistant director and second unit director, frequently cooperating with Luc Besson: The Professional (1994), The Fifth Element (1997), and Joan of Arc (1999); Besson also produced two of his short films. Between 1997 and 2005 Chaumeil made more than 100 television commercials. He also shot several sitcoms, made-for-TV movies, and series (1998–2008). Heartbreaker is his feature debut.