Rent The Hairdresser's Husband (1990)

Gently charming French rom-com - The Hairdresser's Husband review by JD

There are some truly memorable moments of humour particularly if you remember woollen swimming trunks or sexual awakening as a boy. There are some cringing moments like a middle aged man dancing energetically to Middle Eastern music but it is a bit too soft to be good. The Mediterranean sun gives a wonderful light to fresh lace and linen, you can almost smell the hair lotions, but you really have to let this one come to you to enjoy it.

A French Film - The Hairdresser's Husband review by AB

Sublime .....and out on its own....... but an essential part of modern french cinema.... with the onus on you to take from it all that you can find.

Hair Tonic. - The Hairdresser's Husband review by Steve

Back in 1990 this seemed a bittersweet French sex comedy which also twists some tasteful eroticism into the sadness of a tragic romance.... Jean Rochefort is a middle aged loafer who grew up with a fetishistic desire for the sensual intimacy of a haircut... but only by a voluptuous woman.

And he lucks out when he meets and quickly marries a curvy, sexy hairdresser, played Anna Galiena. And within the respite of their salon they find true love and lasting happiness, plus a few outré encounters with their oddball clientele. Who it seems have their own personal idiosyncrasies.

However, since me-too this is widely called the male gaze. And sure, it does feel creepy, even if Mathilde loves Antoine even more obsessively. And actually who is likely to visit their parlour when the amorous couple are likely to momentarily initiate lovemaking during your haircut or shave?

It would be shame if nothing can be salvaged. The photography of the seaside town in pastel colours is simply gorgeous and there's some quirky humour and sincere performances. It's a brief reflection on the complexities and joys of human desire, but I doubt it will ever be released on bluray...