Raphael (Baer) is a ghost-writer for French celebrities. He can turn out an ‘autobiography’ faster than his superficial, B-list subjects can claim it as their own. Yet when it comes to writing any work of substance, he expires at the typeface of inspiration. Laurent Tirard’s savvy comedy is set firmly in the sexual mores of Parisian nouveau-academics, yet easily reflects the troubled self-awareness of any major city. Raphael’s girlfriend (Croze) is equally disgruntled by his literal impotence, particularly when he takes on the task of ghost-writing the biography of an arrogant football player (Cornillac). Their easy-going romance stalls, further complicated by the secretive intrusion of the footballer’s attractive and literate wife. Tirard co-wrote the script, a delicate soufflé that rises vigorously despite increasing implausibility, culminating when Raphael’s car is hit by a wild boar.

Yet therein lies the charm. It’s a kooky kind of story, this Story of My Life, that succeeds from a winning combination of talent. Baer, Croze and Cornillac hit all the comedic marks as Tirard lines up his satirical points with confidence. Under Raphael’s frustrated, crumpled exterior lurks romantic and artistic possibility that Baer - like a younger Daniel Auteuil - teases out with dexterity. The same can be said of canny support that arrives as bright, familiar characters, not the brightly-coloured caricatures lesser filmmakers might call upon. The Story of My Life could have easily devolved into commonplace farce, yet retains a maturity that keeps both elements - satire and honest comedy – well and truly alive. It is a highly entertaining yarn that walks a fine, jaunty line with considerable flair.

// COLIN FRASER