Mr. Blake, At Your Service! Film Review
John Malkovich is the undisputed wearer of many hats, as he has mastered so many different roles over his long and storied acting career. “Mr. Blake, At Your Service!” is not a real stretch for him when we consider that this art is in some way mirroring real life. He is playing an Englishman speaking Français (Malkovich has lived in France and playing a butler would hardly be a new thing!) In short, Francophiles will love this quaint little rom-com.
Gilles Legardinier directs this film and he also wrote the original novel that the story is adapted from. The plot is about how one deals with grief and how people can heal through friendship, even if they are unlikely buddies. And there’s a gorgeous cat named Mephisto who deserves an acting gong for sheer cuteness, even if there is a cliched joke about his food.
Malkovich plays the titular character. Blake is a successful English businessman who has been recently widowed. He eschews a prestigious award, instead looking to rediscover memories about his late wife in the same place that they got engaged. A misunderstanding sees him rendered a mere butler, but he tackles this with the sort of good humour and cheekiness we’ve grown accustomed to associated with Malkovich.
The setting is a gorgeous manor house in a picturesque French countryside. If this does not appeal, the film is also an appealing ensemble one. Fanny Ardant stars as Nathalie Beauvillier, the owner of the house who is having trouble handling the bills. Émilie Dequenne plays a formidable housekeeper and chef, Odile who is fighting her own problems. The house is rounded out by a pregnant laundress and a hapless groundskeeper (Eugénie Anselin and Philippe Bas, respectively). Each character has their own quirks and problems.
This rom-com will never be considered ground-breaking by any stretch of the imagination. But what it does offer is a very endearing film where you can immerse yourself in its quirky lightness. What it offers is pleasantness in spades, just like a milky cup of warm tea.
“Mr. Blake, At Your Service!” is a sweet little escape to the French countryside. It is not the most earth-shattering of holidays but it is a rather delightful slice of escapism. At this honky Château friendship prevails by allowing different people to come together to help each other. Salut!
About the Author
Natalie Salvo Natalie is a Sydney-based writer and lover of all things music, food, photography comedy, art, theatre. You can find her digging in crates at good record stores.
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