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 (spoiler). - The Hairdresser's Husband review by Steve

Back in 1990 this appeared to be a bittersweet French sex comedy which twisted some tasteful eroticism into the ultimately tragic romance.... Jean Rochefort is a middle aged idler who grows up with a fetishistic desire for the sensual intimacy of a haircut... but only by a voluptuous woman.

So he's in luck when he meets and quickly marries a curvaceous/sexy/obliging hairdresser, played Anna Galiena. And within the shelter of their salon they find true love and brief happiness, plus a few outré encounters with their eccentric clientele. Who it seems have their own personal quirks.

However, since me-too, this is maligned as the male gaze. And it does feel awkward, even if Mathilde loves Antoine even more obsessively. And there may be doubts whether anyone would ever visit the parlour when the amorous couple are likely to initiate lovemaking during your haircut or shave?

But 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 kooky humour and sincere performances. It's a brief reflection on the complexity and joy of human desire... which may now be incompatible with sexual politics.