On Tour (2010)

I'm sure I would probably what anything with Mathieu Amalric in it. Admittedly I was only introduced to him in Quantum Of Solace and part 2 of Mesrine but he seems like a great actor capable of great work.
In, On Tour- Amalric is star, co-writer and director of the story about a disgraced producer returning back to this mother France, with a touring show of Burlesque dancers; a fictional backstage look at a man struggling to deal with headstrong women and all the other pressures in a life of juggled priorities.
Amalric is particularly well endowed in playing these great 'small' men. The sort of man who barks orders, loves complaining when things go wrong and taking credit when they go right. His character, Joaquin Dix has paid for these women and one guy to come out to tour their 'Burley' acts in this show but he's not got all the venues booked up or knows thing one about the art of burlesque; though he's more than happy to give notes on how they could improve the show. Obviously since these are accomplished women; women who know their act and audiences better than the cost of sequins and stockings and this any of this loser's opinions are rightfully ignored.
At the same time, we gradually learn that Dix was a disgraced tv presenter or producer and in the middle of this tour, he'll have to deal with having his kids foisted back on him.
On Tour is based on insecure ground but navigates its way through well. It's kinda like the Burlesque troupe are playing themselves and everyone else is acting characters. Amalric seems to have cherry-picked the stars of modern-burlesque and their personalities are allowed breath not be different characters in a script. I guess I don't know if 'Julie Atlas Muz' is a mischievous costume stealing mind but it seems like after seeing this. Only 'Mimi Le Meaux' has much in the way of plot-points to meet; Amalric and a few other actors deal with story and exposition. So On Tour is in no way a documentary of that lifestyle but a window into life on the road.

I watched On Tour (2010) on DVD, via LoveFilm.
My 2011 in Movies will return with Game Of Death (2010)...