John Malkovich stars in this heartwarming French-British dramedy, Mr. Blake At Your Service! Andrew Blake (John Malkovich) is a successful British businessman, yet he feels unfulfilled. In a sentimental move, he fills out a “boarding house” application to the Beauvillier Estate, a special place where he and his late wife fell in love. Upon arriving there, Odile, the cook (Émilie Dequenne), thinks he is the new butler. Due to the snafu, Blake is given a trade-off. He can room there as long as he succeeds in his domestic servant role. Odile sent out the application to help Nathalie Beauvillier (Fanny Ardant), the estate’s owner, who is having financial problems. The estate has struggled financially ever since her husband’s death. Nathalie also dreams of turning her home into a bed and breakfast.
Blake’s duties as butler quickly evolve into a Pollyanna situation where he touches the lives of everyone. He helps Magnier, the gardener (Philippe Bas), improve his dating etiquette and impress Odile. Odile rediscovers her passion for cooking thanks to Blake’s encouragement. He also helps Manon (Eugénie Anselin), a pregnant young woman, reconnect with her ex-boyfriend. As Blake becomes a positive figure, he learns new revelations, including Nathalie’s illicit secret about her deceased husband.
Andrew Blake (John Malkovich) arrives at the Beauvillier Estate, where he’s greeted by Odile (Émilie Dequenne), Nathalie (Fanny Ardant), and other residents in Mr. Blake At Your Service!
“Blake’s duties as butler quickly evolve into a Pollyanna situation…”
Director and screenwriter Gilles Legardinier crafts a sophisticated film with charming dialogue and rich characters. It has the ingredients of a perfect film where dialogue and visuals are perfectly in synch. There are subtle touches, like a mannequin representing Nathalie’s difficult past with her deceased husband. All of this works due to Stéphane Le Parc’s cinematography and Herald Najar’s production design!
Erwann Chandon’s score is whimsical and adds to the film’s witty comedy. Legardinier and Christel Henon’s screenplay is meticulously written, and no subplots are left hanging. It feels right at home with the works of Billy Wilder, Preston Sturges, and Ernst Lubitsch. Mr. Blake At Your Service! is perfect for audiences that appreciate meaningful personal stories and enjoy sophisticated comedies.
"…As Blake becomes a positive figure he learns new revelations, including Nathalie’s illicit secret about her deceased husband."
