The Château (2001)

50% of critics liked it
(52 reviews)
24% of users liked it
(898 ratings)

Two siblings with practically nothing in common are brought together by a real estate deal that threatens to leave them even more at odds than they were before in this semi-improvised comedy. Graham (Paul Rudd) and Rex (Romany Malco) are about as different as two brothers can get -- Graham is… More Two siblings with practically nothing in common are brought together by a real estate deal that threatens to leave them even more at odds than they were before in this semi-improvised comedy. Graham (Paul Rudd) and Rex (Romany Malco) are about as different as two brothers can get -- Graham is sloppy, lackadaisical, and in a state of puzzled wonderment about the world around him, while Rex (his real name is Alan, but he thinks Rex sounds better) is a tightly focused aspiring e-commerce tycoon. Graham and Rex also don't look much like brothers; Rex is adopted, which explains why he's black and Graham isn't. Graham and Rex don't see much of each other, but when a distant relative passes on and bequeaths them joint ownership of a home in the South of France, they fly out together to take a look at their new property. Graham and Rex discover that the estate is in dire need of repair and that the house's domestic staff -- butler Jean (Didier Flamand), cook Sabrine (Maria Verdi), caretaker Pierre (Philippe Mahon), and pretty maid Isabelle (Sylvie Testud) -- is still on hand and expecting to be kept on. Graham magnanimously promises the staff that they'll still have their jobs, but Rex discovers that the previous owner was deep in debt, and the only way to pay off the bills is to sell the place. So now they have to find a buyer who is willing to take the employees along with the home, none of which is helped by the fact that both Graham and Rex are vying for the attentions of Isabelle. The Chateau was shot using digital video equipment, then transferred to 35 mm film for its theatrical engagements. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 31 min.
Directed By: Jesse Peretz
Written By: Jesse Peretz
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Jun 1, 2001 Wide
On DVD: Sep 23, 2003
Studio: IFC Films

Critic Reviews

Peter Howell, Toronto Star
The new faces are interesting, but the old story isn't, especially when it starts to seem more improvised than scripted.
Wesley Morris, Boston Globe
Funny, even after it has run out of ideas.
Susan Stark, Detroit News
It's a likeable piece and a prime audition reel for both Rudd and Malco.
John Monaghan, Detroit Free Press
A culture clash comedy only half as clever as it thinks it is.
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
A culture-clash comedy that, in addition to being very funny, captures some of the discomfort and embarrassment of being a bumbling American in Europe.
Robert K. Elder, Chicago Tribune
Limps along on a squirm-inducing fish-out-of-water formula that goes nowhere and goes there very, very slowly.
Brandon Judell, PopcornQ
Unfunny from beginning to even after the end.
Merle Bertrand, Film Threat
Once the viewer accepts the huge leaps of faith required in the film's premise, it's a lot of fun to strap oneself in and enjoy this goofy ride.
Adam Nayman, eye WEEKLY
There are enough of the usual only-in-the-movies misunderstandings between Graham and Allen to delay any sort of resolution, but director Jesse Peretz neglects to fill the gaps with any memorably diverting action.
Liz Braun, Jam! Movies
There's a spontaneity to The Chateau, a sense of light-heartedness, that makes it attractive throughout.
Jean Lowerison, San Diego Metropolitan
Has an improvisational feel and a cheesy, shot-on-video look (why do that when you've got the French countryside as subject?), but that first hour is still worth seeing.
John Esther, Pasadena Weekly
Language and love are found and lost in 'The Château' ---
Steve Rhodes, Internet Reviews
The uneven movie does have its charms and its funny moments but not quite enough of them.
Walter Chaw, Film Freak Central
Given too much time to consider the looseness of the piece, the picture begins to resemble the shapeless, grasping actors' workshop that it is.
Joe Leydon, San Francisco Examiner
Nothing more than an amiable but unfocused bagatelle that plays like a loosely-connected string of acting-workshop exercises.