Micmacs (Micmacs a tire-larigot)
April 5th 2010 03:55
French Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet is no stranger to most film enthusiasts. With films such as Delicatessen, The City of Lost Children, A Very Long Engagement and the world renowned Amelie under his wing, it's no wonder this chap has emerged as one of the most internationally successful French directors. He even dipped his finger into Hollywood for the fourth instalment of the Aliens series (Aliens: Resurrection).
Renowned for taking his time in between projects, Jeunet crafts his work, and it had been four years since his last one. When, two years into adapting The Life of Pie, 20th Century Fox ceased funding the project, he felt he had to shoot something soon. Enter 'Micmacs', which was crafted in a purported four month period, and it shows.
The story centres on Bazil, a man who has suffered two irrevocable life pangs at the hands of French arms dealers. Down on his luck, Bazil is taken in by an unconventional family that dwells inside a junk yard cavern. It is here, with the help of his newfound loyal and balmy friends, (comprising of washed up performers, scavenger inventors and fridge dwelling contortionists) Bazil sets out to inflict revenge upon two competing weapons manufacturers situated on either side of the same street.
In typical Jeunet style, the film contains a heavy dose of imagery, with sharp camera angles and plenty of quirky insights into each character. There are scenes in the film containing substantial detail, which would be lost with the slightest distraction. Mr Jeunet has a talent for creating an endearing and phantasmagorical world for his viewers, which I generally enjoy. However, with Micmacs, he seemed to be trying too hard, creating an excess of cutesy and over the top quirks that didn't flow into the story line. The result feels haphazard, contrived and incongruent. You can see thought has been put into the film, but it has this rushed quality about it, rather like bad town planning.
Although things do step up a notch when Bazil and his friends set about wreaking havoc amongst the two arms dealers, and it is here the film's comedy lies. There are some laugh out loud moments, and the acting is generally good, particularly in Nicolas Marie's performance as Francois, an arrogant French arms dealer.
Possibly to its detriment, however, the film takes on a politically contentious subject with unabashed temerity. As Jeunet says, in making a comic film about "stupid guys" taking revenge on weapons sellers, he found it difficult to find the right comic balance. This feeling is evident throughout the film.
Overall, Micmacs is a courageous effort that contains that unmistakable Jeunet touch. Whilst generally an entertaining journey, the film leaves a lasting impression of a director concerned more about his style than the story's continuity.
Three bananas out of five.
The story centres on Bazil, a man who has suffered two irrevocable life pangs at the hands of French arms dealers. Down on his luck, Bazil is taken in by an unconventional family that dwells inside a junk yard cavern. It is here, with the help of his newfound loyal and balmy friends, (comprising of washed up performers, scavenger inventors and fridge dwelling contortionists) Bazil sets out to inflict revenge upon two competing weapons manufacturers situated on either side of the same street.
Although things do step up a notch when Bazil and his friends set about wreaking havoc amongst the two arms dealers, and it is here the film's comedy lies. There are some laugh out loud moments, and the acting is generally good, particularly in Nicolas Marie's performance as Francois, an arrogant French arms dealer.
Possibly to its detriment, however, the film takes on a politically contentious subject with unabashed temerity. As Jeunet says, in making a comic film about "stupid guys" taking revenge on weapons sellers, he found it difficult to find the right comic balance. This feeling is evident throughout the film.
Overall, Micmacs is a courageous effort that contains that unmistakable Jeunet touch. Whilst generally an entertaining journey, the film leaves a lasting impression of a director concerned more about his style than the story's continuity.
Three bananas out of five.
| 39 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
subscribe to this blog
Comment by Anonymous
PS I heard through the grapevine that Mr Tope (where did the pseudonym go by the way?!) has left AAP and moved to Melbourne. It truly is the end of an era.
Comment by Andy Tope
Bagman's Gazette
Cinema Banana
How's exchange life? Glad you still occasionally nibble on a banana, even if it is a little too ripe. Hehe.
Hope the filming's going well. And, yeah, well, you can judge this one for yourself, but I would be surprised if you didn't think the same.
As for the name, time for exposure I say, even if it's just for one reader.
I'm now at AAP in Melbourne, can't seem to escape.
Swell to hear from you good sir. Hope the film techniques are flowing thick and fast.
Comment by Anonymous
And I know us (ex) Sydneysiders aren't meant to admit this, but Melbourne is a cool place to be - good move! But if you're ever looking for an even crazier change of scenery, I suggest coming out here - LA is only a short drive away, I'm basically in film heaven right now.