Nenette and Boni Movie Review

This festival favorite tells the story of teenage cook Boni (Gregoire Colin), who sublimates his sexual fantasies about La Boulangere (Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi) by kneading pizza dough as if it were the object of his desire. She's married to Vincent Gallo as Le Boulanger (once again leaving me mystified regarding whatever spell Gallo is supposed to have on women). But Boni has an even more serious concern, his pregnant kid sister, Nenette (Alice Houri), who turns up unannounced. Nenette doesn't want the baby, but Boni does. Well acted, but way too cute for its own good. For those who like cuteness for its own sake, here it is, Marseille-style. If Nenette and Boni is ever remade as a U.S. flick, expect it to be even cuter.

1996 103m/C FR Gregoire Colin, Alice Houri, Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi, Jacques Nolot, Vincent Gallo, Gerard Meylan, Alex Descas, Jamila Farah, Christine Gaya; D: Claire Denis; W: Claire Denis, Jean-Pol Fargeau; C: Agnes Godard. Nominations: Independent Spirit Awards ‘98: Best Foreign Film. VHS, Letterbox