La Crise (1992) - film review

High-powered businessman Victor loses both his wife and his job on the same day.  It’s the worst day of his life, but who can he turn to?  Every one of his friends is too wrapped up in his or her own personal crisis to lend him a moment’s sympathy.  Even his parents have no time for him – they are too busy putting an end to their marriage.  The only person who can empathise with Victor is Michou, a friendless but amiable down-and-out...

Tirelessly funny yet very truthful in its portrayal of human relationships and some important social themes, La Crise is a worthy successor to Coline Serreau’s previous cinematic successes, Trois hommes et un couffin (1985) and Romuald et Juliette (1989).   In one of his best performances to date, Vincent Lindon skilfully portrays a man struggling to get his life together after a series of disasters derail him, propelling him into a typically French variant on the road movie concept, a tough but comical voyage of self discovery. 

The excellent Patrick Timsit is perfectly cast as Lindon’s scruffy side-kick, another convincing, very likeable performance which brings great pathos and humour to the film.  Serreau’s writing and direction are at their best – the mix of comedy and drama bringing some great laughs as well as some moments of genuine poignancy.  The sombre cinematography - a trademark of this director – hints at the anguish behind the humour, reminding us of the human pain that accompanies many a joke.  On the strength of its originality, wit and understated humanity, this must surely rate as one of Coline Serreau’s finest films.

© James Travers 2007

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