For as long as comedy has existed, comedians have used their own experiences as the ultimate resource. Life, with all its ups, downs, and general humiliation, is a never-ending treasure trove of comedic gold. For Florence Foresti in autobiographical French comedy Shambles, however, her offstage world is proving to be a richer resource than she would like.
Playing a fictionalised version of herself in the eight-episode series, 44-year-old Foresti might have thousands of fans and a level of success most in her industry could only dream of but, out of the spotlight, things aren’t exactly going to plan. She would like to be prettier, thinner, younger, able to quit smoking and drinking, and above anything else, to be happy. But overcoming her writer’s block would be a start.
Florence’s quest for happiness in the series is met with some barriers at home as she navigates parenthood and joint custody of her ten-year-old daughter. While there is a sigh of relief and fist pump of freedom that comes with her child-free days, they are also some of her loneliest and her empty apartment serves as a stage for her darkest thoughts. These often take the form of visits from Death (Luc Antoni), a sinister man in a dark suit, who, although just a figment of her imagination, has a habit of turning up when she is at her most vulnerable.
Florence Foresti (behind the wheel) with her friends, Manue (Laëtitia Vercken), Béatrice (Béatrice Facquer) and Julia (Anouk Féral), in ‘Shambles’. Credit: Comme Une Grande / Iconoclast
Trying to live life with carefree abandon isn’t easy when you have the weight of the world on your shoulders, but Florence’s endearing, if slightly hyperactive, zest for life keeps her going. That’s not to say it isn’t a struggle at times, and her highly strung nature means her mental health is a constant battle, even if she doesn’t think so. Panic attacks are an almost daily occurrence (strange imaginary men turning up at your kitchen table will do that to you) and antidepressants coupled with boozy nights out with her agent, Béatrice (), and friends Manue () and Julia () are often the only things keeping her afloat. The foursome are united by their shared experiences of juggling motherhood, careers, and a slightly unhelpful love of rosé, and together they are reminiscent of a famous New York foursome, albeit with a certain je ne sais quoi. Even though another American reference would set Florence’s teeth on edge.
It’s fair to say that boundaries aren’t Florence’s strong suit, and her relationships with her friends, and perhaps most notably her housekeeper Lucy and her sociopathic co-writer Pascal, are proof of that. Lucy (played by Foresti’s real life housekeeper turned actress ) is far more than Florence’s cleaner, taking on the roles of personal assistant, IT support, and confidante as required. She manages to keep Florence grounded with a sly dig about her drinking habits and obsession with bulldog/surrogate husband Bernie but is always ready with a hot cup of coffee when the need arises. The same can’t be said for Pascal (), who might be a loyal friend and top tier furniture assembler, but whose lack of tact and refusal to put pants on, not to mention his insistence that they actually do some writing, make him something of a liability.
Florence Foresti and Lucy Ordenacion (Lucie). Credit: Comme Une Grande / Iconoclast
When all else fails, the possibility of finding love again provides Florence with a welcome distraction from the mess. Like everything else in her life, however, it's far from straight forward. There’s nothing like being told your new crush’s mother is your biggest fan (and that you’re his birthday surprise for her) to keep you humble. Turning up to his apartment hoping for a romantic night in and ending up as the celebrity appearance for the evening? You couldn’t write it.
While most of us are at least afforded privacy to deal with our dating woes and general dysfunction in peace, Florence can’t escape the fact that she is France’s greatest female comic. Well, at least some people think so. Unwanted photos, and inopportune autograph requests, whether from her neighbour in the lift, or the general public when she is having a meltdown in the street, are part and parcel of her fame. It also makes for moments of hilarity that aren’t as far removed from real life as you might expect.
Florence Foresti and Luc Antoni (Death) in 'Shambles'. Credit: Comme Une Grande / Iconoclast
“I’m not someone who tells stories. I don’t invent anything; I transform reality. But, as in my stage shows, I don’t set out to share my private self,” Foresti has said of the series. “I use my character – my fictional alter-ego – to create comic situations and tackle subjects that matter to me. In my opinion, there’s nothing funnier than real life.”
There’s never a boring moment, and as the series progresses, Foresti seamlessly blends fiction with reality to paint a clever and touching picture of life as a modern woman. And she does it so well.
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Shambles - season 1 episode 1
