The Closet (2001)

François Pignon is an incredibly dull individual. Yes, our hero is as dull as dishwater. He is so uninteresting that his ex-wife wants nothing to do with him, his son ignores him, and his company is on the brink of showing him the door.

Now, basing a comedy around a complete bore might seem like a terrible basis for a movie, but stay with me; it's more fun than it initially appears.

Just as Pignon is about to commit suicide by leaping from his balcony in despair, an unexpected intervention occurs. His new neighbor stops him. The neighbor is a gay man who had to hide his sexuality in the '80s to retain his job. The neighbor suggests an ironic and ridiculous plan: Pignon should save his job by sending an anonymous letter claiming he's gay.

You see, it's the 21st century now, and Pignon is an accountant at a condom factory. The company would certainly not want to risk upsetting the gay community by terminating someone who just came out. The retired neighbor seems to derive a sardonic sense of satisfaction from this plot, amused that someone pretending to be gay could save their job. This makes Pignon's dull existence suddenly quite scintillating.

From this point onwards, the comedy truly begins to unfold. Pignon, still the same dull person, is now viewed through a completely different lens. His job is not only safe, but he becomes intriguing, alluring, and interesting, even for us, the viewing audience.

The movie leaves you pondering. His mannerisms never seem to change. It is only the way people perceive him that changes. He is like the Mona Lisa of dull people; one interesting thing happens, and now everyone is wondering what is behind those mysterious eyes. A single twist of fate, and everyone is now trying to decipher the enigma behind his seemingly dull and mundane eyes.



You should not watch The Closet (2001) if...

• You are not interested in French cinema or do not understand French (unless you are comfortable with subtitles).
• You are not a fan of comedy or satirical storytelling.
• You are uncomfortable with themes of sexuality and identity.
• The themes of workplace politics and discrimination are triggering to you.
• You are under the age of 13, as the movie contains some adult content.

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