The Associate Poster

The Associate 1979

★ 6.49 votes94 min📅 1979-08-22

In the charming 1979 French comedy *The Associate*, Michel Serrault stars as a savvy but unemployed investor who crafts a fictional business partner to impress clients and secure deals.

Director: René Gainville

Cast

Michel Serrault
Michel Serrault
Julien Pardot
Claudine Auger
Claudine Auger
Agnès Pardot, épouse de Julien
Catherine Alric
Catherine Alric
Mme Alice Duphorin, épouse de Marc, amante de Julien
Judith Magre
Judith Magre
Mme Breol, la secrétaire de Julien
Bernard Haller
Bernard Haller
M. Hellzer, propriétaire d'une banque
Marco Perrin
Marco Perrin
Colonel Vauban, administrateur de sociétés
Jean Martin
Jean Martin
M. Bastias
Fabrice Josso
Fabrice Josso
Thierry Pardot
Henri Virlogeux
Henri Virlogeux
M. Urioste, agent de change
Mathieu Carrière
Mathieu Carrière
Louis, ami de Julien

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Associate (1979) about?

This French comedy follows an unemployed investor who invents a fake business partner to boost his career, only to watch his lie spiral into a web of unintended consequences. As his fabricated persona gains real-world influence—including the affection of his wife and admiration from his son—he must confront the absurdity of his own creation before it destroys his life.

Who directed The Associate?

René Gainville directed *The Associate*, infusing the film with a blend of sharp wit and subtle social satire that defines its comedic tone.

Who stars in The Associate?

Michel Serrault leads the cast as the cunning investor, joined by Claudine Auger, Catherine Alric, Judith Magre, and Bernard Haller in this ensemble-driven comedy.

Is The Associate (1979) worth watching?

If you enjoy character-driven comedies with a touch of absurdity and clever twists, *The Associate* is a delightful pick. While not widely rated, its themes of self-deception and the unpredictability of lies offer a refreshing take on the genre, making it a hidden gem worth discovering.

How long is The Associate?

The Associate has a runtime of 94 minutes, offering a concise yet engaging viewing experience perfect for a single sitting.

About The Associate (1979) — A Fake Partner Takes Over This Quirky French Comedy

In the charming 1979 French comedy *The Associate*, Michel Serrault stars as a savvy but unemployed investor who crafts a fictional business partner to impress clients and secure deals. This clever ruse spirals into chaos as his fabricated alter ego gains a life of its own—his wife falls for the unseen partner, his son idolizes him, and his business thrives beyond his control. Directed by René Gainville, the film blends sharp wit with a surreal twist on identity and ambition, set against the backdrop of 1970s Parisian professional life.

As the protagonist scrambles to reclaim his reality, the consequences of his deception escalate, culminating in a darkly comedic yet poignant exploration of perception versus truth. With a runtime of 94 minutes, *The Associate* balances lighthearted humor with underlying themes of self-deception and the fragility of relationships, making it a standout in the comedy genre.