As she did in French Twist (1995), writer-director-performer Josiane Balasko brilliantly combines feminism and farce in A French Gigolo, one of the few films from any nation that centers around the sexuality of a middle-aged woman. Poised, confident, attractive 50-ish divorcée Judith (Nathalie Baye, in a expertly calibrated performance) runs a homeshopping TV show with her sister, Irène. While Irène dreams of finding Mr. Right, Judith favors the no-strings attachment of paying gigolos for sex. Her preferred escort is construction worker Marco (Eric Caravaca, thoroughly charming), who happens to be happily married to Fanny, a hairdresser who knows nothing about her husband’s extra revenue source. Matters become complicated when Judith and Marco’s assignations go beyond mere business transactions—and when Fanny finds out about her husband’s moonlighting. Balasko’s movie is a refreshingly honest, adult look at the ways in which our needs for sex, love, and money are continually negotiated. Consistently funny, A French Gigolo is nonetheless seriously committed to exposing sexual double standards. As the quality of American romantic comedies continues to decline, Balasko’s film stands out all the more for its intelligence and wit.