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5.9/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.9/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Calais-Douvres remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you have a thing for vintage black-and-white comedies where everyone speaks with that rapid-fire, stagey energy, you'll probably enjoy Calais-Douvres. It’s got a light touch. But if you’re looking for something that digs deep into the psyche, skip it. You’ll just be annoyed by how fast the characters fall for the obvious traps.
The whole premise is built on a bet. Five hundred thousand bucks to stay away from women for five years. It’s the kind of high-stakes nonsense that only happens in old movies, right? The guys in this 'women-hater' club take it so seriously it’s almost funny.
There’s a moment around the fourth year where you can tell the lead character is sweating. Not from heat, but from boredom. The walls are closing in, and you can see it in his eyes. He’s tired of his own rules.
Then she shows up. The 'troublesome young lady.' You know the one. She’s got that specific kind of spark that makes every other character’s life a mess. It’s a bit predictable, sure. But watching them try to ignore each other is the best part of the whole film.
It’s not as mean-spirited as A Champion Loser, which I caught last week. This one feels a bit more like a romp. It doesn't try to be a life-changing event. It’s just a movie about a guy who thinks he’s smarter than he is.
It’s a light snack of a film. You finish it, you smile, you move on. The pacing is a bit weird—sometimes it drags in the middle like a wet coat, then suddenly it’s sprinting toward the ending. Classic, really.
I wouldn't call it a masterpiece, but it’s got a heartbeat. If you’re into the history of these types of stories, it’s a neat little piece of the puzzle. Just don't go in expecting to have your world rocked. 🎞️