Absolutely Fabulous (French: Absolument fabuleux) is a 2001 French comedy film co-written and directed by Gabriel Aghion. It is an adaptation of the British television sitcom Absolutely Fabulous, created by Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French.
The film stars Josiane Balasko, Nathalie Baye, Marie Gillain and Claude Gensac. To parallel the role of Lulu in the original series, French singer Chantal Goya appeared as herself. Saunders makes a cameo appearance as a spectator sitting next to Catherine Deneuve at a fashion show.
Contents
Cast
Josiane Balasko as Edith "Eddie" Mousson
Nathalie Baye as Patricia "Patsy" Laroche
Marie Gillain as Safrane Vaudoye
Vincent Elbaz as Jonathan
Claude Gensac as Mamie Mousson
Yves Rénier as Alain Vaudoye
Saïd Taghmaoui as Manu
Armelle as Cerise
Tomer Sisley as Kevin
Cameo appearances
Chantal Goya as herself
Stéphane Bern as himself
Christophe Robin as himself
Jean-Paul Gaultier as himself
Catherine Deneuve as herself
Jennifer Saunders as herself
Brigitte Fontaine as herself
Estelle Lefébure as herself
Claire Chazal as herself
Production
Aghion's stated reason for making the film was to increase awareness of the series in France, where it was not widely known. For the screenplay, Aghion translated scenes from the original series, and tied them together into a coherent screenplay.
The role of Patsy was originally offered to Amanda Lear, who declined by saying that she had "already lived it".
Reception
The film performed poorly at the French box office and was panned by most French critics, who argued that it failed to translate the typically British humour of the original television series.