Pédale douce (1996)

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A closeted gay man's attempts to "act straight" for the sake of his job have unexpected consequences in this French comedy. Adrien (Patrick Timsit) is a businessman who is trying to close a major deal with Alexandre (Richard Berry), a powerful banker. Alexandre invites Adrien to attend an upcoming… More A closeted gay man's attempts to "act straight" for the sake of his job have unexpected consequences in this French comedy. Adrien (Patrick Timsit) is a businessman who is trying to close a major deal with Alexandre (Richard Berry), a powerful banker. Alexandre invites Adrien to attend an upcoming dinner party at his estate; Adrien doesn't want to scotch the deal by saying no, but he would also prefer that macho Alexandre not know that he's gay, a secret he's kept from most of his business associates. Adrien persuades his friend Eva (Fanny Ardant), the proprietor of a popular gay nightspot, to pose as his date for the evening, and her no-nonsense attitude and broad humor score a big hit with Alexandre, who becomes infatuated with her. On the sly from his wife Marie (Michele Laroque), Alexandre begins calling on Eva at her restaurant; Alexandre is a bit puzzled by her clientele, while Eva begins to wonder if he might be gay. Fanny Ardant's performance won her a Cesar Award (the French Oscar) as Best Actress of 1996. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi