Closet, The MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +1 1/2 Content: -3

Francois Pignon (Daniel Autriel) leads an unassuming, boring life as an accountant for a French rubber company whose major product is condoms. But because of his complacent, uncomplicated life, everyone from his ex-wife and son to his co-workers find him easy to ignore. Even Pignon finds his life boring. When he overhears rumors of being fired, Pignon becomes desperate to change his image. His new neighbor Belone (Michael Aumont), a retired corporate psychologist, suggests starting the rumor that Pignon is ‘gay.’ Almost overnight, coming out of a ‘closet’ he never went into, Pignon becomes the focus of corporate gossip and personnel policies. Even more confusing, his macho co-worker Felix Santini (Gerard Depardieu) begins to treat him with affection. But Santini fears his job’s in jeopardy for being too insensitive to ‘minorities.’ A humorous look at perceptions and prejudices, THE CLOSET gently nudges audiences to check their own view of others.

The film presents a non-judgmental view of the homosexual lifestyle and, instead, focuses on people’s perception of others. It also touches upon both the legal fears of corporations about discrimination and people joking and commenting at the expense of others. Santini is considered an insensitive brute who uses ethnic slurs without thinking but, fearing for his job, his overtures of friendliness toward Pignon appear almost as homosexual courting. Belone admits being homosexual and, having faced corporate prejudice, enjoys turning the tables for Pignon. Pignon wants to restore the relationship with his ex-wife and son, but, through his new self-confidence, realizes that his ex-wife was part of the problem. And, unfortunately, his teenage son thinks having a homosexual father is ‘cool.’ Pignon also shares a marijuana smoke with his son. A graphic sex scene with a female co-worker confirms that Pignon is heterosexual. Condoned pre-marital sex, drug use and foul language close the door on THE CLOSET.

Preview Reviewer: Paul Bicking
Distributor: Miramax, 375 Greenwich, New York, NY 10013