“Fester and rot.” Kate to Luc in French Kiss
The romantic comedy French Kiss released in 1995. I can hardly believe the movie’s twenty years old.
The film is perfectly cast and allows the stars’ talents to shine. It stars Meg Ryan, who plays Kate, a jolted young woman who flies to France, determined to win back her fiancée (Timothy Hutton), and Kevin Kline, who plays Luc, a Frenchman who is cunning and highly motivated to help Kate on her quest. The wonderful Jean Reno also plays an important role in this delightful film.
While there are many quotable lines in this film, (one in particular that has to do with cheese,) here is my favorite scene.
Kate walks alongside Luc, admiring the quaintness of the village. “Oh, beautiful, gorgeous. Wish you were here.” She pauses and looks at Luc. “How long since you’ve been back?”
Luc hesitates. “Err, six years.”
“Six years! Is your family a nightmare or something?” she says.
“You know I don’t really want to talk about it, ok?” he says.
Kate continues. “Listen, a healthy person is someone who expresses his feelings inside. Express not repress.”
“In that case, you must be one of the healthiest people in the world.”
“You know, why shut me out.” Kate says. “You know what happens to people who shut everybody out?”
“They lead a quiet, peaceful life?”
“No, they fester.”
“Fester. I am festering?”
“Inside. Fester and rot. I’ve seen it happen…”
Director Lawrence Kasdan has the scene set up so that we’re able to witness Kevin Kline trying to stifle a laugh as Meg acts out her lines. The scene makes me smile. Actors, after all, are human.
Yes, the film is dated, but for one reason I love. It’s pre-9/11. It’s takes me back to a time when airports were wonderful places to go and have lunch, or meet a friend at the airport who was in between layovers.
If you have a couple of hours, treat yourself to this movie. Besides the directing, the repartee between these two fine actors, the French countryside and hearing Kevin Kline speak French well, are worth your time.
At this time the movie is not on Netflix, however check your library or here on Amazon to buy a copy.
About Julie Saffrin
Julie Saffrin is the author of numerous published articles and essays. Her latest book, BlessBack: Thank Those Who Shaped Your Life, explores the power of gratitude and offers 120 creative ways to journey toward positive, lasting change.
Comments