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I’m happy to be returning as an official partner of the French Spotlight and spreading the word about this fun event!
The 24th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival runs from October 12-19, 2023
If you love French films and you’ll be in Southern California on October 17, 2023, don’t miss the French Spotlight!
Film: Mr. Blake At Your Service! / Complètement cramé (view trailer on YouTube)
(The comedy-drama was directed by Gilles Legardinier. The cast includes John Malkovich, Fanny Ardant, and Emilie Dequenne.)
Where: Starlight Triangle Square Cinemas in Costa Mesa, California
When: from 7:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 (U.S. premiere!)
Film’s synopsis:
“When Mr. Blake turns up at the Domaine de Beauvillier estate, everyone – the manor itself, along with its owner and staff – are all just as badly off as he is! But unlike Mr. Blake, who has come to this familiar abode merely to collect his thoughts, the other protagonists are in the throes of tackling their respective personal problems. The arrival of this very British guest acts as a trigger, spurring them back to life, “taming” them and prompting them to start working together to restore the manor’s former beauty and revive their individual quests. The result will be a new lease of life for the Beauvillier estate and each and every one of them living on it.”
After Party
After the film, walk over to Time Nightclub for the European Showcase Party, featuring top entertainment and hors d’oeuvres prepared by award-winning Orange County restaurants. There’ll be a bar hosted by Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Peroni.
Showcase Party is age 21+ and cocktail attire is strongly encouraged! 🪩 Use code “French2023” to get $5.00 off movie+party ticket.
About the Newport Beach Film Festival
Founded in 1999, the Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) is recognized as one of the largest lifestyle film festivals in the United States, attracting nearly 60,000 attendees. The Festival will showcase over 300 films from across the globe and host a wide array of multicultural activities. Since 2018, the NBFF and Visit Newport Beach have also hosted Variety’s “10 Actors to Watch.”
About the International Spotlight
Each year, the NBFF also presents signature international film events. Student teams from California State University, Fullerton produce these International Spotlight events that feature cinema, culture, cuisine, music, and performances from Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, South Korea, Sweden, United Kingdom, Vietnam, and more.
Bonjour: A Francophile Blog 
I saw “Mr. Blake at Your Service” at the Film Festival and am un francophile extrême when it comes to most things. This film checked off all the boxes. I love John Malkovich. It takes place in France in a beautiful chateau. The dialogue is in French. Beautiful, yet mysterious grande dame du château. As a cat lover, I even loved that a cat played a leading role. Why then did I leave feeling the film was less than the sum of its parts? I felt it was a saccharine and predictable, feel-good movie which disappointed. Like junk-food, it’s ok to consume in moderation, but I wouldn’t make a habit of it. It was fun to see Malkovich speaking French, but I hope he picks a better vehicle next time.
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Hello fellow francophile! I’m happy to hear you attended the film festival. It’s too bad the film was a bit of a letdown for you, but glad you found some bright spots in it, like the cat and John Malkovich speaking French! Thank you for sharing your impressions of the film.
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