Le Bal des casse-pieds (1992) - film review

Mild-mannered vet Henri Sauveur hankers after a peaceful, well-ordered life. Unfortunately, he is constantly thwarted by inconsiderate individuals who prey upon his time and patience.  Friends, relations and clients all seem determined to bore him with their own everyday dramas, whilst his own personal crises go unnoticed.  Then, one day, he meets Louise and falls instantly in love.  Henri feels that his life has at last changed for the better, that he will be happy forever.  Unfortunately, everyone around him seems determined to keep him and his new love apart…

This deliciously funny comedy from director Yves Robert brings together some of the most familiar and best loved actors in French cinema, including the magnificent Jean Rochefort and the ever-delightful Miou-Miou.  The film is in the style of Robert’s earlier off-the-wall comedies – such as the popular Un éléphant ça trompe énormément (1976) – combining a plethora of hilarious visual jokes with some very tongue-in-cheek comic dialogue (courtesy of ace screenwriter Jean-Loup Dabadie).
Needless to say, Rochefort is excellent as the film’s lead actor, bringing a touch of class to even its sillier moments, although even he is momentarily outshone by some of the film’s other contributors.  Jean-Pierre Bacri and Jean Yanne each steal the show in two of the films most memorable vignettes, both cleverly playing on their public persona to great effect.

Despite its nonsensical plot and a few misfired comic situations, Le Bal des Casse-Pieds is a witty and entertaining film which is occassionally heart-stoppingly hilarious.  Oozing with Gallic charm, it will particularly appeal to those who have enjoyed Yves Robert’s other films, including Le Grand blond avec une chaussure noire (1972) and La Gloire de mon père (1990).

© James Travers 2004

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