Movies by Jean-Marie Poiré

Jean-Marie Poiré is a beloved French filmmaker known for his delightfully absurd comedies that blend slapstick, fantasy, and a touch of social commentary. With a background in screenwriting, Poiré brings a sharp wit and keen eye for character to his directing work, crafting films that are both uproariously funny and surprisingly insightful. Poiré first gained widespread acclaim in 1993 with the time-traveling buddy comedy "The Visitors," which followed a pair of 12th-century French knights who are accidentally transported to modern-day Paris. Blending medieval hijinks with shrewd observations about cultural clashes, the film struck a chord with audiences and spawned a popular sequel, "The Visitors II: The Corridors of Time," in 1998. Throughout his career, Poiré has continued to explore themes of displacement and the absurdities of social customs, as seen in films like "Just Visiting," a 2001 English-language remake of "The Visitors," and the gender-bending farce "My Wife's Name Is Maurice." What truly sets Poiré's work apart, however, is his distinctive visual style, which often features surreal, fantastical elements seamlessly integrated into otherwise grounded scenarios. Whether it's the time-traveling hijinks of "The Visitors" or the guardian angels who intervene in the lives of everyday Parisians in "Guardian Angels," Poiré demonstrates a masterful command of tone, blending slapstick humor and genuine heart in equal measure. As a true auteur of French comedy, Jean-Marie Poiré has left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape, delighting audiences with his unique brand of off-the-wall hilarity.