Irma la Douce (1963) Review: Wilder's Parisian Comedy Unpacked

Simon (0:00)

Hello, and welcome to Mindset Movie Reviews. Let's talk about Irma la Douce.

Irma la Douce, directed by Billy Wilder, is a film that attempts to blend comedy and romance in a vibrant portrayal of Parisian life. Released in 1963, the movie stars Jack Lemmon as Nestor Partou, a naive and honest police officer, and Shirley MacLaine as Irma, a popular prostitute in the bustling red light district of Paris. The film is based on a French stage musical by Alexandre Bréfort, but Wilder's adaptation strips away the musical elements, opting instead for a lengthy narrative that stretches over two hours. The plot kicks off with Nestor's transfer to the Casanova district, where he inadvertently disrupts the delicate balance between the police and the local sex workers by organizing a raid. This act of honesty costs him his job and he soon finds himself entangled in the world he once sought to dismantle. Befriending Irma, Nestor becomes her pimp after a scuffle with her previous one, Ipolit, played by Bruce Yarnell. However, his jealousy over Irma's profession leads him to concoct a plan to disguise himself as a wealthy Englishman, Lord X, to monopolize her time and affection.

Wilder's Direction, while colourful and lively, struggles with pacing. The decision to remove the musical numbers from the original stage play leaves the film feeling overextended, with many critics suggesting that a significant portion of the runtime could have been trimmed without losing the essence of the story. Despite this, the film manages to deliver moments of humour and charm largely due to the chemistry between Lemmon and MacLaine. Their previous collaboration with Wilder in The Apartment set high expectations, and while they deliver commendable performances, the film's comedic elements often fall flat. Lou Jacobi as the cafe owner Mustache provides a reliable source of laughs, and serves as a grounding presence amidst the chaos. His character's witty insights and humorous anecdotes add a layer of depth to the otherwise thin supporting cast. The film's portrayal of Parisian society with its focus on the business of sex pushes the boundaries of what was acceptable in Hollywood at the time, presenting a candid yet non-judgmental view of the profession.

Irma la Douce is not without its flaws. The film's attempt to balance comedy with romance and social commentary results in a narrative that feels disjointed at times. The humour, while present, lacks the sharpness and wit that Wilder is known for, often resorting to cliches and predictable gags. The film's length further exacerbates these issues, making it feel like an endurance test rather than an engaging cinematic experience.

In summary, Irma la Douce is a film that showcases the talents of its lead actors and offers a glimpse into the vibrant world of 1960s Paris. However, its inconsistent tone and overlong runtime prevent it from reaching the heights of Wilder's previous works. While it may not be a classic, it remains an interesting piece of cinema history, reflecting the changing attitudes of its time. And that concludes my review of Irma la Douce, and I'm giving it three and a half stars out of a maximum of five stars. Thanks for listening. If you've liked this content, please like, subscribe, and it will be great to see you next time on Mindset Movie Reviews.