NR | 1h 31m | Drama | 2023
When I first heard of the recent French film “Driving Madeleine” and saw a younger man driving a car with an older lady in the backseat, I immediately thought: This must be the French version of “Driving Miss Daisy.”
Actually, the two films don’t have much in common beyond the seating arrangements and eventual friendliness between its two primary cast members, Line Renaud and Dany Boon.
This unusual drama takes the slow-burn approach. We first meet Charles (Boon), a 46 year-old taxi driver who works the streets of Paris. He’s struggling financially, and has little left after he pays for all of the fees on his work car. To compound things, he owes money to some mysterious parties.
Charles initially regards Madeleine as just another fare to transport from point A to point B. As they glide through the streets and broad avenues of the City of Lights, Madeleine reveals that she’s in her 90s and has had a recent accident—falling down some stairs at the home she just left behind. Now, doctors have recommended that she move into a convalescent home because it’s no longer safe for her to live alone.
As Madeleine begins to talk about her past (young Madeleine played by Alice Isaaz), Charles’s nonchalant attitude slowly shifts to a more caring one. She has quite a colorful history, and many of her experiences are told by way of flashbacks.
She describes, in detail, her first kiss with an American soldier named Matt, whose kisses were like “honey and orange,” and her tumultuous marriage to Raymond Haguenot (Jérémie Laheurte), who physically abused not only her but her son Mathieu (Thomas Alden).
Although she sent Matt, Mathieu’s father, hundreds of letters in order to track him down, she didn’t get the outcome she’d hoped for.
Her stories lead Charles to open up to Madeleine. When he describes how he first met his wife Karine (Julie Delarme) on a bus when they were just 16, he cracks a smile as his mind drifts back to their gentle romantic encounter.
These discussions are possible because of Madeleine’s hesitance to go straight to the new care facility, where she’ll be institutionalized. Instead, she has Charles drive her to different locations, each of which means something important to her.
The performances are so earthy and realistic that it’s easy to get caught up in these two sensitive souls’ stories. Part of what is so alluring about this film is the chemistry between Renaud and Boon—a benefit from knowing each other in real life.
The proceedings seem genuine, and the more touching scenes never devolve into sap-fests. For instance, in one scene where Madeleine describes some tragic legal circumstances that she endured during the 1950s, Charles becomes so upset that he curses the old court system. However, instead of lingering on the negative aspects, Madeleine mentions many of the good things that she and her friends experienced then.
Amid all of her trying experiences, we see a good amount of charm and humor, such as when (no spoilers) Madeleine finds a creative way to get Charles out of a particular bind. Afterward, the two have a good laugh togethera, as did I.
“Driving Madeleine” is an enchanting, unique drama by director Carion that features solid acting performances and a sense of gravitas that transcends its simple setup. If you take a chance on this ride, it may drive its way into your heart, just as it did mine.
