Me, Myself and Mum

It’s hardly unfair to point out that the French have a knack for producing comedies that only they find funny. The debut directorial effort by Guillaume Gallienne may turn out the exception that proves the rule. This light-as-croissant comedy about a mummy-worshipping straight guy who’s been socialised into believing he’s gay (geddit?) was a huge hit in its homeland last year, hoovering up awards and box office receipts like nobody’s business. The satire is gentle and the gags are broad, but Comédie-Française alumnus Gallienne has the charisma and comic nous to lift the film up from its quirky premise. The strong autobiographical slant – the story is framed by scenes in which Gallienne, apparently out of character, embellishes on events to an invisible theatre audience – adds intrigue. Will it repeat its success on these shores? On verra.