THE EIGHTH DAY (LE HUITEME JOUR) European Union Film Showcase

Pascal Duquenne plays Georges, who has
been in an institution for the mentally
handicapped since the death of his mother
a few years earlier. Work-obsessed
Harry (Daniel Auteuil) is presented giving
a seminar on sales technique. His is a colorless
existence, made even bleaker by the
sudden departure of his wife, Julie, and
their two daughters. Driving home in the
rain he encounters Georges on the road;
he has abandoned the institution to return
to his mother, whose death has slipped his
mind. Unable to unload him at the next
police station, Harry takes him home for
the night. Georges proves impossible to
shake off. But his demanding, unpredictable,
affectionate behavior begins
slowly to grow on Harry, who responds to
Georges’ enthusiastic appreciation of his
friendship. -David Rooney, Variety