Bob Taylor The first film I saw which had a transvestite character was The Damned, some 50 years ago. In the intervening years we've had any number of accounts of a man (why almost always a man?) who has to dress as a woman. Ozon's film has a stale air about it which works against our enjoyment.For me Anais Demoustier is the sole strong actor in this; Duris and Personnaz give capable support but she must carry the story, and carry it she does very memorably. The feeling is always that punches are being pulled, that possibly painful moments are being glossed over. I expected more anger from Personnaz's character when he discovered the deception (the weekend in the country with Duris, instead of the mother's house). Everybody is so well behaved, it doesn't ring true. La Cage aux Folles had more sting to it, you knew how bigoted some people were.I haven't really enjoyed an Ozon film since 8 femmes of 2002. He's coasting, giving us tried and true subjects and clichéd situations.

steve-mcc Director Duris pondered the mystery of Ruth Rendell's short story THE NEW GIRLFRIEND for nearly twenty years. Major Short Story only spoiler: In Rendell's short story, discoveries are made, surprises ensue, friendship and intimacy grow, and after a shocking event, one main character brutally slaughters the other. The Short Story is genuinely Hitchcockian.Film spoiler: Duris' adaptation is most shocking in the way the ending is altered. Lovers of the short story will be doubly shocked. But this is a visually beautifully film, in which character is meticulously and tenderly exposed. Loss and love, and love recovered, are exquisitely worked out as intimacy builds toward a climactic event that does NOT end in murder, but proceeds to further complication and revelation. The film is brilliantly expanded and full of surprises--some amusing, some erotic, some truly shocking--but always masterfully guided by Duris' sure directorial hand. It will not be to everyone's taste, but I found it a fascinating alternative to the story, and beautifully cast, acted, written, directed, and photographed.

Tom Dooley Claire has a best friend in Laura, they have been close since they met as children and have grown and lived their lives together. We start the film with Laura's funeral – she leaves behind a loving husband and a baby daughter. Claire has promised to care for her friend's family and after much grieving she goes round to the house to comfort David. *Mild plot spoiler* Once there she makes a discovery about David that will change all of their lives. Now to say any more would be a plot spoiler but if you notice that Romain Duris is credited with both a male and female part in this film it is a good indicator of where this is going.Written by Ruth Rendell this is actually a very warm and caring film that has the air of realism throughout. It is the sort of film that pulls you in and keeps you hooked. In French with good to average sub titles regarding translation, you will also get some good make up and fashion tips. I really enjoyed this film and so find it easy to recommend.

Paul Allaer "The New Girlfriend" (2014 release from France; original title "Une nouvelle amie"; 107 min.) brings the story of David and close friends. As the movie opens, we see make up being applied to a woman's face, perhaps for a wedding? No! We are fooled as it turns out to be the woman's funeral. In a flashback we get to know that woman, Laura, and her BFF Claire. Laura ends up marrying David and Claire marries Gilles. Then, tragically, shortly after giving birth to a baby girl, Laura passes away. Claire promises at the funeral to help David and the baby. Shortly thereafter when Claire stops by David's house unexpectedly, she finds him in Laura's clothes, much to her shock. At this point we're at most 15 minutes into the movie, but to tell you more would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.Couple of comments: this is the latest movie from French director Francois Ozon, who previously has brought us such excellent movies as "In the House", "Potiche" and "Swimming Pooll". Here, he takes a short story (originally written by Ruth Rendall) and turns it into a feature length about the issue of crossdressing. As David explores his feminine side, Claire must decide whether to support him, and if so, to what extend could this throw a wrinkle into her own marriage to Gilles? At times the film succeeds, at times the film misses. The overall plot does seem a little light for a movie that goes for nearly 1 hr. 50 min. There are several notable performances, none more than of course Romain Duris as David (he was nominated for the French equivalent of the Oscar for Best Actor). Anaïs Demoustier as Claire is quite the revelation too (for me anyway). Notable is the excellent orchestral score, courtesy of French composer Philippe Rombi. There are also a number of song placements in the movie, including Katy Perry's "Hot + Cold", and, even more appropriate, Amanda Lear (with "Follow Me", playing in a nightclub scene), "Une nouvelle amie" was released over a year ago, and this weekend it showed up out of the blue at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati without any hype or advertising. Why now, I have no idea, but better late than never, I suppose. The early evening screening where I saw this at was attended okay but not great. As to the movie itself, I can't help but feel slightly disappointed, as I feel it doesn't measure up to the other movies I've seen from Francois Ozon. If you get a chance to check out "The New Girlfriend", be it in the theater, on VOD or on DVD/Blu-ray, I suggest you do and then draw your own conclusion.