I ventured out to the Cinema Como in South Yarra (Melbourne Australia) to the only showing of this film as part of the French Film Festival. I still can't believe that they only had one screening of the film.

The script is by Francis Veber who also wrote the extremely funny "Le Diner de Con' (The Dinner Game). The film has a very strong cast including Daniel Auteuil, Gérard Depardieu, Thierry Lhermitte, Michèle
Laroque and Michel Aumont.

The story is about a very mild mannered accountant by the name of Pignon who works in a large condom factory. One day he finds he is going to be fired so to protect his job he pretends to be gay. Needless to say his bosses, concerned about publicity decide to keep him on. The ruse has however a number of unexpected and very funny consequences which I shall not spoil for you.

This is arguably one of the funniest films I have ever seen. Gerard Depardieu deserves an Academy Award for his performance in this film - his is outstanding. I strongly recommend this film for anyone - even for those who don't like subtitles. Whatever you do don't go to a dubbed version - I loathe the way many European films are dubbed.

The story line has many unexpected twists and turns and is extremely well written. I can't wait for Francis Veber's next film.

Verdict 5 stars (out of 5 stars)

cheers Peter

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All dubbing is evil. No exceptions. Worse still those who practice this black art aren't even good at it.

Go see Le Placard again up on the big screen in its original soundtrack with english subtitles and you will get more of the feel of the film. Aside from being extremely funny, this film is absolutely stacked with several generations of French comedic acting talent. Its worth a second viewing in its native language.

Remember - dubbing is evil. Just say no.

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I had stopped as I thought I was the only one interested in foreign releases but I shall be happy to review any good foreign films I have seen.

I'm really hanging out for Jeunet's next work which will be an adaptation of a French novel by Sébastien Japrisot ("Un long dimanche de fiançailles" (A Long Sunday of Engagement?).

One of the joys of being alive is waiting for the next Jeunet film to be released. It's a bit like people felt wehen waiting for the next Beatles record to be released back in the late 60s. When you have confidence that a Director is going to produce a great film you eagerly await his next one. I'm also so glad that he isn't going to produce an 'Amelie II' although he would have every commercial motivation to do so.

Also I am hanging out to see the Asterix sequel if/when it gets released in Australia as well as Taxi III, IV , V etc etc etc

cheers Peter