Clara and Chics Types (1981)

Clara and Chics Types Poster
Original Title: Clara et les chics types

Three days in the lives of six friends who are nearly 30 years old, live in Grenoble, and have a rock band called the "Why Notes?". They're to play in Paris at Charles's school reunion. In getting to Paris and back, the characters interact with Aimee's ex-husband and her abrasive, cruel ex-mentor, Louise's would-be lover who turns out to have a husband, Mickey's long-time lover and her children, Bertrand's Germanic wife and their children who speak no French, and Frederic's distant mother. The band also meets Clara, a mercurial free spirit who beguiles Bertrand, then Mickey, then takes up with someone else in the band.

Movie Summary
"Clara et les Chics Types" also referred to as "Clara and Chics Types" is a French comedy-drama movie directed by Jacques Monnet and was released in 1981. Set in the 1950s and 60s, it follows the story of six men, their bonds, the female they fall for named Clara, and their lives over an around 20 year duration.

Plot
The plot unfolds through a series of flashbacks and present day scenes. At the centre are six young boys who form a band called "The Bums" throughout their high school days. The 6 consist of Antoine, Jean, Phil, Mickey, Kiki, and Francis. Regardless of their private distinctions, they bond over their love for music.

15 years later on, the band members who had actually divided due to different life courses, reunite at their pal, Francis's funeral, where they fulfill Clara, his mystical ex-wife. Fascinated by her, they find lots of pieces of their previous related to Clara and start to piece together the puzzle of their shared memories.

Character Secriptions
Clara (played by Anémone Le Royer) is a captivating female who finds herself linked with the lives of the six boys/men. She is a charming, resistant and independent lady who left a mark on each of their lives. Antoine (played by Daniel Auteuil) is an introverted, thoughtful man, pursuing a career in medication. Phil (played by Philippe Léotard) is a passionate artist with bohemian propensities. Jean (played by Jean-Claude Brialy) is an enthusiastic, career-focused architect. Mickey (played by Charles Aznavour) is a sweet, Almost every 'bottom' falls for Clara at some time.

Key Moments
Upon Francis's passing, the group discovers that Clara was romantically involved with each of them at some time, without the others knowing. This discovery evaluated their relationship but likewise brought them together as they realised how she impacted them and the decisions they made.

Styles
"Clara and the Chics Types" checks out themes of love, friendship, and life. It uses the band as a metaphor for unity, diversity, and shared goals, in spite of their differences. The boys-turned-men band represent different facets of French society throughout the mid-20th century. The film also puts a strong emphasis on the bonds of relationship, the unpredictability of life, and the intricacies of romantic relationships.

Reception
Critics admired the movie as a remarkable expedition of relationships and feelings. The efficiencies were particularly applauded, with Anémone's representation of Clara making her an election for the César Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Likewise, the movie's distinct narrative structure, oscillating in between past and present, was favorably received, making "Clara and the Chics Types" a significant entry in 1980s French movie theater.

In conclusion, "Clara and the Chics Types" stands as a fascinating story, which, through its well-drawn characters, and thoughtful narrative engages viewers in a poignant exploration of relationships, love, and the passage of time.

Top Cast

  • Isabelle Adjani (small)
    Isabelle Adjani
    Clara
  • Thierry Lhermitte (small)
    Thierry Lhermitte
    Bertrand
  • Daniel Auteuil (small)
    Daniel Auteuil
    Mickey
  • Josiane Balasko (small)
    Josiane Balasko
    Louise
  • Christian Clavier (small)
    Christian Clavier
    Charles
  • Roland Giraud (small)
    Roland Giraud
    Paul