Title
Ils se marièrent et eurent beaucoup d’enfants
English Translation: And They Lived Happily Ever After
Plot
The film explores modern love, friendship, and fidelity in Paris. Vincent (Yvan Attal), who appears to have it all—wife Gabrielle (Charlotte Gainsbourg), a good job, and a beautiful family—struggles with an inner conflict as he is drawn to the allure of other women. His close friend Georges (Alain Chabat) adds humorous insights into the challenges of married life. As Gabrielle encounters another man (Johnny Depp in a cameo role), she, too, begins questioning the true meaning of love and happiness.
Cast
- Yvan Attal as Vincent
- Charlotte Gainsbourg as Gabrielle
- Alain Chabat as Georges
- Emmanuelle Seigner as Nathalie
- Johnny Depp as The Stranger
Crew
- Director: Yvan Attal
- Writer: Yvan Attal
- Producer: Claude Berri
- Cinematography: Rémy Chevrin
- Music: Brad Mehldau
Trivia
- Johnny Depp’s role is a cameo and serves as a symbolic character representing the “ideal man” Gabrielle fantasizes about.
- Yvan Attal and Charlotte Gainsbourg, who play a married couple, are real-life partners.
- The film delves into themes of desire, monogamy, and midlife crises, challenging the “happily ever after” trope.
Release Dates
- France: September 2004
- United States (limited release): May 2005
Filming Locations
- Paris, France, with many scenes shot in charming Parisian streets and restaurants
- Notable location: Café de Flore, a classic Parisian café setting
Ratings
- Rotten Tomatoes: 60% (Mixed reviews, appreciated for its realism and humor but criticized for its pacing)
- IMDb: 6.4/10
- Rated: R (for language, sexuality, and brief nudity)
Synopsis
This film offers a contemplative look at the complexities of relationships and the allure of infidelity. With its thoughtful portrayal of marital dissatisfaction, Ils se marièrent et eurent beaucoup d’enfants is celebrated for its wit and nuanced performances, especially from Gainsbourg and Depp in his brief but impactful role.
