Customer Reviews

Un divan à New York

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This review refers to the DVD(Fox Lorber) edition of "A Couch In New York"....

Dr. Henry Harriston(William Hurt) of Manhattan needs a break from his very dependent patients.He's an esteemed Psychoanalyst,works out of his upscale apartment,is compulsively neat, and needs a little change from his hum drum exsistence. Beatrice Saulnier(Juliette Binoche) of Paris could use a bit of a break herself.She's a beautiful dancer,has a long line of admirers who are constantly phoning or banging on the door of her little(no so upscale) loft, is a bit of a slob, and needs some quiet time away from her chaotic life. The Dr. puts an add in the Paris newspaper looking for someone to swap apartments for a while and Voila! the fun begins....

While Henry looses his patience in Paris, Beatrice takes on his patients in New York. But uh-oh..Henry can't take it anymore and decides to beat a retreat home. He is mistaken for one of the patients and has grand time being analyzed by La Binoche.

The film is an engaging, feel good romantic comedy, that will certianly leave you smiling.Mistaken identities lead to some very funny situations as the nuertoic patients now become dependent on Beatrice, and Beatrice tries to cure Henry.

Binoche as always, is enchanting, and Hurt plays it perfectly in this case of opposites attracting. The supporting cast including Richard Jenkins, Paul Guilfoyle, Bernard Breuse and Barbara Garrick are marvelous as patients, friends and jilted lovers of these two.All though there were times where it seemed to move just a little slow,this was a very sweet,light and enjoyable film that kept me smiling throughout.I loved the European flavor, scenery, and the music.

The DVD is a nice presentation in widescreen,sounds great in stereo.The film is in both English and French and has subtitles only during the French dialouge.There is no option for subtitles throughout the film for those that may need them though. There are filmographies of several of the stars and the Director Chantel Akerman, and also a trailer.

I would recommend this to fans of Juliette Binoche,french films, and anyone who loves a good romantic comedy along the lines of something like "Sabrina".

enjoy...Laurie

William Hurt and Juliette Binoche make a very likeable (thought unexpected) duo in this fun, escapist romantic comedy.
The premise for the story is quite far-fetched - a New York psychiatrist (William Hurt) does an "apartment swap" with a Parisian dancer (Juliette Binoche.) Neither gets what they expected, and soon their paths cross in a series of quirky encouters which lead to romance.
Both actors are very likeable in this film, with Juliette Binoche dispaying here usual "zest for life" style which is very endearing - quite reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn.
The dialogue throughout the file is a mix of English and French, which gives it a very enjoyable European/continental flavour - something cosmopolitan viewers will like. It's a movie that is much more "French" than "American" in style - something you'll either love or won't, depending on your personal taste.
If you enjoyed "The Accidental Tourist" or "Forget Paris" you will most certainly find this refreshing and relaxed romantic comedy a pleasure to watch.

What a wonderful movie experience this was. Some say the plot is implausible. Maybe so but this is a MOVIE... Let go of your analytical mind and just sit back and be romanced for a change.

There are some very funny moments as Julliette Binoche takes on William Hurts psyciatric practice in order to make money to spend while in New York.

Get some bon bons and a glass of your favorite wine and indulge.

I've seen this film more than once, and despite some not-so-positive reviews, I still find it charming and romantic. Hurt and Binoche make a curiously appealing combination as they manage to convincingly fall in love at a distance. Give it a try!

This movie certainly restores my faith in love. It beautifully portrays how people open up to love in the most trying of circumstances! It is a bit slow, I admit, but that adds to the laid-back touch of the movie.

The movie has to make me feel good to part with my hard earned money.
My collection are all in the feel good variety or some really good war movies. This movie makes me giggle.

This is a charming romantic comedy with a very charismatic cast. I thought it pretty hilarious but I really want to plug the soundtrack which features the music of cellist Sonia Wieder-Atherton. I think it is exceptional.

This smart plot deals with a mistaken exchange of apartment among a free-spirited dancer in Paris ( the glamorous Juliette Binoche) and a frazzled New York psychoanalyst, starred by this fabulous actor William Hurt. As you may guess the comic spiral of confusions, mistaken identities and a golden retriever made of this sympathetic films one of the most remarkable ones of this years.

Once more, Chantal Akerman proves us why she is still the flaming torch in this field of Belgium. Admirable direction and enjoyable performances al the way through.

A must see.

Definitely a pleasant surprise. William Hurt plays that curmudgeon character well, and Juliette Binoche is delightful.

I love this movie! It's fun. It's pretty. It's charming. The characters are funny and lovable. The scenario is clever and engaging. The mix of French and English is enriching. It couldn't be better. Try it!