The Cost of Living Poster

The Cost of Living 2003

★ 5.729 votes98 min📅 2003-07-30

In Philippe Le Guay's sharp and observant comedy *The Cost of Living (2003)*, a tangled web of financial quirks and emotional blind spots collides in a story that's as much about love as it is about money.

Director: Philippe Le Guay

Cast

Fabrice Luchini
Fabrice Luchini
Brett
Vincent Lindon
Vincent Lindon
Coway
Géraldine Pailhas
Géraldine Pailhas
Helena
Lorànt Deutsch
Lorànt Deutsch
Patrick
Isild Le Besco
Isild Le Besco
Laurence
Claude Rich
Claude Rich
Maurice
Camille Japy
Camille Japy
Milène
Michel Vuillermoz
Michel Vuillermoz
The banker
Bernard Bloch
Bernard Bloch
Richet, the bailiff
Catherine Hosmalin
Catherine Hosmalin
Karine

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Cost of Living (2003) about?

This French comedy-drama follows a cast of eccentric characters whose relationships with money reveal surprising truths about love and human connection. From a reluctant heiress to a compulsive saver and a generous restaurateur, each person's financial habits shape their emotional lives in unexpected ways.

Who directed The Cost of Living?

Philippe Le Guay directed this ensemble comedy, known for his sharp character studies and insightful social commentary.

Who stars in The Cost of Living?

The film features a standout cast led by Fabrice Luchini, Vincent Lindon, and Géraldine Pailhas, supported by Lorànt Deutsch, Isild Le Besco, and Claude Rich.

Is The Cost of Living (2003) worth watching?

As a well-crafted French comedy with heartfelt themes, *The Cost of Living* offers more than just laughs—it's a thoughtful meditation on human nature. While it isn't a blockbuster, its clever writing and strong performances make it a rewarding choice for fans of character-driven cinema.

How long is The Cost of Living?

The runtime for *The Cost of Living (2003)* is 98 minutes.

The Cost of Living (2003): A Comedy About Money, Love, and Life's Unexpected Transactions

In Philippe Le Guay's sharp and observant comedy *The Cost of Living (2003)*, a tangled web of financial quirks and emotional blind spots collides in a story that's as much about love as it is about money. The film weaves together the lives of eccentric characters whose relationship with currency reveals deeper truths about desire and connection. Among them is an heiress struggling to claim her inheritance, a miser who hoards every franc as if it were oxygen, a young boy who stumbles upon a lottery ticket, and a generous restaurateur who gives everything away—often without a thought. While the film's title suggests a dry critique of fiscal behavior, the real pulse is the heart: every transaction, whether material or emotional, becomes a reflection of longing and attachment.

Le Guay's ensemble cast brings warmth and wit to this portrait of modern avarice and generosity, painting a picture where spending and saving aren't just habits but expressions of identity. The atmosphere oscillates between lighthearted satire and poignant insight, making *The Cost of Living (2003)* a quietly profound exploration of what money can—and cannot—buy.