Thomas in Love (Thomas est amoureux) (2000)
-
69% of critics liked it
(39 reviews) -
76% of users liked it
(1,052 ratings)
A high-tech shut-in finds love in an unexpected place in this satirical comedy. Thomas (voice of Benoit Verhaert) is a profoundly agoraphobic 33-year-old man whose condition prevents him from leaving his apartment or allowing others in to visit. Fortunately for him, he rarely needs to do either;… More A high-tech shut-in finds love in an unexpected place in this satirical comedy. Thomas (voice of Benoit Verhaert) is a profoundly agoraphobic 33-year-old man whose condition prevents him from leaving his apartment or allowing others in to visit. Fortunately for him, he rarely needs to do either; Thomas has been declared officially disabled, making him eligible for government services for the handicapped; he's also well-insured and has a claims representative (Alexandre von Sivers) ready to meet his every need. Thomas also has a high-tech "vision-phone" that allows him to communicate with the outside world without having to make actual contact. While Thomas' psychologist (Frederic Topart) tries to sort out his mental state, his insurance representative offers to help with his more personal needs: it seems the government provides prostitutes for the disabled, and Thomas is now eligible. Thomas speaks by phone with Eva (Aylin Yay), a State-funded call girl, and soon finds himself smitten -- so much so that he begins to ponder actually leaving his room. Meanwhile, the psychologist has registered Thomas with a phone-dating service as a more healthy alternative, subjecting Thomas to the not entirely welcome attentions of Melodie (Magali Pinglaut). Thomas Est Amoureux was shot on video entirely in "first person," with the viewer seeing only what Thomas himself would see through his "vision-phone." ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- Pierre-Paul Renders
- Written By
- Philippe Blasband
- Genres
- Drama, Romance, Art House & International, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy
NC-17,
- In Theaters
- Aug 3, 2000 Wide
- Studio
- IFC Films
Critic Reviews
-
Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel
A film in which the camera's point of view never changes can start to feel claustrophobic. But the originality of the concept and the quality of the performances help to compensate.
-
Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune
The last few minutes of this movie are strangely moving. What leads up to them is shot through with dark humor and scathing satire.
-
Norman Wilner, Toronto Star
Thomas In Love never develops beyond an interesting exercise in style over story.
-
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail
Innovative and thoughtful.
-
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
It duplicates Thomas' miserable world so well we want to escape it as urgently as Thomas does.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Also available on
Other Retailers
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Subscription Services
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Cast
-
Alexandre von Sivers
as Insurance Agent
-
Benoît Verhaert
as Thomas
-
Federic Topart
as Thomas' psychologist
-
Aylin Yay
as Eva
-
Magali Pinglaut
as Melodie
