Quelqu’un de bien (2002) - film review

When Pierre discovers that he needs a liver transplant to save his life, his girlfriend Marie suggests that his brother, Paul, may be a willing donor.  Unfortunately, the two brothers have not spoken to each other for several years, not since Paul walked off with Pierre’s former fiancée.  Eventually, the brothers reconcile their differences and Paul agrees to donate a portion of his own liver to save Pierre.  By way of showing his appreciation, Pierre insists that he accompanies Paul on his next business trip.  Although this proves an ideal occasion for the two brothers to get to know one another, Paul is already beginning to doubt whether he can go through with the operation...

Actor Patrick Timsit returns to the director’s seat for the second time with this light-hearted nonsense comedy.   In contrast to his previous directorial effort, Quasimodo d’El Paris (1999), a bizarre, one might say unhinged, adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel, Quelqu’un de bien is a comparatively down-to-earth piece.  For the most part, the film revolves around the relationship between two estranged brothers who discover a mutual need for each other.  The stuff of heartstring-tugging drama you might think, but, as Timsit shows, the situation is also one that is ripe for farce, Gallic style.

What the film (mercifully) lacks in trite sentimentality it more than makes up for in exaggerated comic situations, although the film is generally well scripted and includes some brilliant dialogue.   However, it is very much a hit and miss affair.  Not all of the comedy works and some of it is surprisingly offensive.  In addition to the many drawn-out clichéd situations, there is an awful black comic scene near the end of the film which is both shocking and runs contrary to the spirit of the film.  Also, the personality of José Garcia swamps the film entirely, often obscuring the talents and even the presence of Patrick Timsit.  To offset these faults, the film does have some entertainment value.  From time to time, there are a few genuinely touching moments which show us how much better this film might have been if its comic excesses had been toned down a notch or two.  Still, Patrick Timsit does show great promise as both an actor and a director.  We await his third film with eager anticipation.

© James Travers 2004

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