Movie Loner

Hmm, Euro Pudding. Who doesn’t love a big bowl? Actually, I don’t know anyone who likes pudding of any kind, but I do know that L’auberge Espagnole translates to Euro Pudding in English. Truth be told this movie has more damn titles than Robert Evans has ex-wives. Heyoh!! Where’s my rimshot? Sorry. Anyway, Pot Luck, Casa de locos, and The Spanish Apartment are all alternate monikers to this romantic French farce. Whatever you want to call it, L’auberge Espagnole is a pretty darn good film.

Xavier, a straight-laced economics student, is traveling from Paris to Barcelona for grad school. He leaves behind his longtime girlfriend Martine which only adds to his homesickness. After his accommodations fall through Xavier crashes with young French newlyweds he met at the airport. Not wanting to inconvenience Anne-Sophie and Jean-Michel, Xavier sets out to find a place to stay before classes begin. He survives a probing interview and is accepted at an apartment with five international roommates: an English girl, a German guy, a Spanish girl, a German guy, and a dude from Italy. It’s what Xavier refers to as Euro Pudding, an eclectic mixture of European personalities.

Despite obvious language barriers, Xavier adapts to the Spanish lifestyle. He and his merry band of roomies form fast bonds with the aid of booze and pot while battling for precious refrigerator space. When not carousing with the gang, Xavier struggles to keep Martine which is hampered by his growing attraction to Anne-Sophie whom he accompanies on long walks exploring Barcelona. Romantic entanglements ensue and new-found friendships are tested as Xavier’s personal journey of self-discovery in a foreign city comes to an end. He will leave Barcelona a little wiser and armed with the knowledge that life can take you to unexpected places.

Writer/director Cedric Klapisch captures the folly of youth perfectly. Facing responsibility for the first time can be maddening, but it can also be wicked fun. Klapisch never forgets this important fact as he allows all his characters to find themselves in their own way. Watching Xavier navigate the trial and error process of becoming an adult is both amusing and fascinating. We’ve all been there or one day will be, so if you’re looking for a trip down memory lane or a glimpse into the future kick back and watch L’auberge Espagnole. Or whatever you call it.

The trailer for L’auberge Espagnole: