Fridae

If you'd won the lottery, what would you do? Some would quit their jobs, some would go on a trip around the world, and then some would buy themselves some hot lovin'. That's exactly what balding, middle-aged Francois (Bernard Campan) does when he becomes a millionaire after winning a lottery �� he goes shopping for love, and sets his eye on Italian seductress Daniela (Belluci). He offers to pay her 100,000 Euros a month indefinitely to shack up with him, and she readily agrees to the proposition. What Daniela didn't expect is actually falling in love with Francois, and her pimp suddenly showing up at his' door...

For most people, the central attraction of How Much Do You Love Me? would be that of Monica Bellucci's presence, and deservedly so. Bellucci is a beautiful woman with a beautiful body, and she's not afraid to let it show in the film. However, Daniela is not a role that really requires much acting talent, so Bellucci merely has to strut her stuff in a capable fashion, which of course she manages to do with great aplomb. Bernard Campan is quietly effective as the meek male lead, whilst Gerard Depardieu steals the limelight occasionally as the scruffy pimp.

There is really nothing new about the storyline of How Much Do You Love Me?, but the film offers some terrifically hilarious moments, one of the best being a scene where Francois' neighbour discussing how a woman's orgasm should sound like. There are some warm moments too, so it's not all sex and fun. The film also makes use of some opera pieces in the soundtrack, and it works surprisingly well, just like much of the movie.