‘The Help’ meets ‘Downton Abbey’ in ‘The Women on the 6th Floor’
Philippe Le Guay’s new film, The Women on the 6th Floor, is an endearingly romantic look at a group of Spanish maids working in the rich households of France’s elite. The ladies, led by Carmen Maura and Natalia Verbeke, are filled with laughs and longings for their native Spain. They work tirelessly for their bosses and enjoy their Sundays off, when they’re able to celebrate Mass and let their hair down (literally).
Everything runs smoothly until Jean-Louis (Fabrice Luchini) disrupts the system. When he hires María (Verbeke), a younger maid with a beautiful smile, the barriers separating employer from employee begin to crumble. The two are attached to each other, despite the domineering presence of Jean-Louis’ wife, Suzanne (Sandrine Kiberlain).
Le Guay’s film, based on a screenplay written by himself and Jérôme Tonnerre, makes for a light, always funny tale of European culture clash. The ensemble acting is inspired, and there’s not a weak link in the stellar international cast. Maura, a frequent presence in Pedro Almodovar’s films, plays the motherly role, while Verbeke is the doe-eyed newcomer. Luchini, one of the best French actors working, knows how to make his evolution believable and sincere. At first, he eyes the ladies from afar, wondering what happens when they leave his house. And then his fascination transitions into downright obsession, and he finds it easier to live amongst the company of the maids than the cold embrace of his own family.
The Women on the 6th Floor can easily draw comparisons to The Help or even Downton Abbey. There’s this renewed interest in class and cultural struggles, and it has created a suite of impressive films. While The Help was much more serious and historical in nature, dealing with the difficult issue of race in the American South, The Women on the 6th Floor taps into a European example of families pulled apart by the need to find gainful employment.
Technically, the movie is an historical snapshot. The setting is Paris, circa 1960, when Francisco Franco still ruled with an iron fist in Spain. This makes the women’s relocation not just for economic reasons, but political ones as well. But what’s largely missing from this cultural fabric is any distinct recognition of the time period. Without the discussions on Franco, The Women on the 6th Floor feels like it’s set in the present day.
Le Guay’s movie is that rare romantic comedy that actually makes good on its promises. It delights with some great comedy. It tells a believable tale of love and longing. But, most importantly, it allows the viewer to see the often harsh divisions between two groups of people.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
-
The Women on the 6th Floor
-
In French and Spanish with English subtitles
-
2011
-
Directed by Philippe Le Guay
-
Written by Le Guay and Jérôme Tonnerre
-
Starring Fabrice Luchini, Sandrine Kiberlain, Natalia Verbeke and Carmen Maura
-
Running time: 104 minutes
-
Not Rated
-
Rating:
