Est-ce bien raisonnable? (1981) - film review

After his arrest, small-time crook Gérard Louvier escapes from police custody by stealing the clothes – and identity – of a high-profile judge.  A journalist, Julie Boucher, mistakes Louvier for the judge she intended to ask to investigate the suspicious death of a man.  Realising that Julie is offering him a ticket to freedom, Louvier willingly accompanies her to her home in Nice.  There, Julie’s domestic life – which includes a cheating boyfriend and an ex-lover who won’t go away – becomes more complicated when she discovers she is attracted to Louvier.  Then she discovers his real identity…

Compared with some of Georges Lautner’s better known films, Est-ce bien raisonnable? must rate as a pretty minor work, lacking the biting wit, energy and sense of fun of Lautner’s earlier achievements.  However, some spirited performances from a talented cast just about make this an attractive and mildly entertaining film.  Miou-Miou and Gérard Lanvin work together surprisingly well, both bringing a touch of humanity into a pretty ordinary storyline whilst subtly underplaying the comedy to great effect.   The slightly soporific nature of the film’s first half is mercifully relieved by some familiar Lautner/Audiard comedy in the latter part of the film – and things improve greatly when Michel Galabru enters the frame, assisted by some cracking mother in-law-jokes.

© James Travers 2005

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