A Strange Affair

There's a Capra-esque feel to this psychological drama, which begins with an air of despondent realism only to suddenly soar into flights of inexplicable fantasy. The reason for this sudden change in the fortunes of Gérard Lanvin is Michel Piccoli, who not only takes over the shop where he works, but also insinuates himself into other areas of his life. But such is the lightness of Pierre Granier-Deferre's touch that this transformation has a disarming stealth that prevents the action from becoming tacky or twee. Piccoli enjoys himself as the mysterious stranger, but much depends on the underplaying of Lanvin and wife, Nathalie Baye.