Everything is Going Very Well Madame la Marquise: A weird little detour

Is this worth your time today? If you want something that feels like a dusty, half-forgotten postcard from the 1930s, absolutely. If you need tight pacing or a movie that actually explains why anyone does anything, you might want to skip this one. It's the kind of film that wanders, much like its lead character.

Our guy loses his job because his employer's house burns down. Not a great day for him. But the movie doesn't dwell on the tragedy of it all. Instead, it pivots into this strange, almost forced comedy where he starts dressing up as a caricature of a Breton peasant just to make a buck from tourists. It feels a little gross, but in that specific, charming way that old French comedies do.

There is a scene in Paris that lasts way longer than it needs to. You can see the actors trying to find the rhythm in the dialogue, and sometimes they just... miss it. It’s not polished. It’s barely even sanded down. But there is something about the way they walk through these sets that feels strangely real, even when the situations are ridiculous.

It reminded me a bit of the aimless energy in The Sporting Chance, where the plot feels more like a suggestion than a rule. You aren't watching for the grand arc. You're watching for the weird details.

Odd moments that stuck with me

• The way the protagonist stares at the camera like he forgot he was in a movie.
• The wardrobe choices in the Paris scenes are just wild.
• There's a side character who appears for maybe three minutes, does absolutely nothing, and then vanishes. I loved him.

The whole thing feels like it was filmed on a Tuesday afternoon when everyone involved was just trying to get through the day. It’s not trying to change your life. It’s just trying to exist.

When he meets the 'lady of dubious reputation,' the movie shifts gears. It gets a little bit sharper. Finally, there's a bit of friction between the characters. It doesn't last, but for a few minutes, you actually care if they get along or not. Finally.

Is it as tightly constructed as In the Employ of the Secret Service? Not even close. It’s messier. It’s fluffier. But it has a heartbeat, even if it’s a bit of an irregular one. Sometimes that’s enough.

Don't look for deep meaning here. You won't find it. Just watch the hats and the funny walks. 🎩