Based on Olivier Bourdeaux’s novel, Régis Loinsart’s “Waiting for Bojangles” is so romantic and uniquely French. The story of his two endless, irrepressible lovers, Georges (Romain Duris) and Camille (Virginie Efira), and his time in Paris in the 1960s with his young son Gary (Solan Machado Graner). I am drawing a life.
Their warm home is a crazy salon filled with cocktails and lively conversations every night, filled with friends and family. However, their story ultimately becomes tragic as George and Camille’s relationship is strained by Camille’s battle with mental illness. The film’s vision of living for love alone, with no limits or entitlements, is beautiful and, for this critical and helpless romantic, powerfully euphoric.
The infectious brio at the heart of “Bojangles” is a testament to the ensemble cast’s performances, but Duris and Efira’s chemistry is especially compelling. Duris as Georges is introduced as a carefree mechanic posing as a secular socialite at a beach party. He embodies the role with effortless charisma as he meets Camille, drops glass after glass of champagne, and dances wildly. He immediately cheers them on.
Now, from the frenzied sex scenes to the tender longing moments, the frenzied, sentimental ethos of “Bojangles” is in constant danger of looking maudlin or, worse, a little corny. . But that’s a good question. If you’re devoted to romance, looking corny is a risk you have to take.
waiting for bojangles
Unrated. French, with subtitles. Running time: 2 hours 4 minutes.