Skylab (DVD)

It’s summer 1979 in Brittany, and a family gathers to celebrate the grandmother’s 80th birthday. The extended family are a garrulous collection and there’s a hint of tension in the air, as the Skylab is rumoured to return to earth during the same weekend – in either Brittany or Perth. This hilarious multi-generational comedy is seen largely through the eyes of 10 year old Albertine – playing perhaps the character of a young Julie Delpy. The adults behaviour is always colourful, often outrageous. Director, and star Julie Delpy shows a loving, guiding hand throughout proceedings. The cast represent the very finest of young, and vintage French acting talent (Eric Elmosnino “Summer Hours”, “Gainsbourg”, Emmanuelle Riva “L’Amour”, “3 Colours Blue”, Valerie Bonneton “Summer Hours”, “Little Whire Lies”) , and the joie de vivre of the gathering is infectious. Skylab is a funny, tender and occasionally irreverent look back to the end of the 70s, to childhood, and to summer holidays.