The Smile

The Smile (French: Le sourire) is a 1994 French drama film directed by Claude Miller. Moving between reality and dream, it tells the story of a psychiatrist (Jean-Pierre Marielle) facing imminent death who follows the fantasy of one last love affair with a much younger woman (Emmanuelle Seigner). She also follows a fantasy of being a stripper who drives men wild, and is herself close to death. The theme of the film is stated at the outset by a mock-Chinese quote: Let us hurry to enjoy creatures in their youth. Let's gorge ourselves on best wines and scents. Never let the blooming flower fade.