Like l’Homme du Train, this film also has an unlikely male friendship
at its centre; but here the similarity ends. Veber’s comedy, which pairs Pierre
Richard’s melancholic ex-teacher with Gérard Depardieu’s macho journalist in an
attempt to find a runaway teen both men believe to be their son, has perhaps
less verbal subtlety but is carried joyfully along by its dynamic tempo and the
comic charisma of the leads. This is a comedy of action rather than
observation, and the beautifully achieved slapstick will have you laughing in
spite of yourself. Don’t be misled by the jocular tone, however: this endearing
film broaches a number of sensitive themes (particularly those of depression
and emotional disturbance) with a light but profound touch.
If you like this film, you might enjoy: La Cage aux
Folles (Veber, 1978), La Chevre (1981), Le Diner de Cons (1988),
Tais-toi! (2003), Mon Pere, ce Heros (Lauzier, 1991)