Passe-passe (2008)
Directed by Tonie Marshall

Film Review

Passe-passe is Tonie Marshall's affectionate homage to the classic American road movie, a meandering, pretty lightweight affair that tries unsuccessfully to weave together genres as diverse as romantic comedy and political thriller (complete with sinister-looking Orientals with an unhealthy addiction to Frank Sinatra).   Marshall's forte is obviously romantic comedy, evidenced by the fact that the scenes which work best are those in which Nathalie Baye and Edouard Baer, both superb as ever, are allowed to spark off one another, with something of the energy and charm of an old Spencer Tracy-Katharine Hepburn movie. 

Had the film stuck with Baye and Baer, instead of digressing every few minutes down threadbare narrative cul-de-sacs involving less interesting characters that add little, if anything, to the narrative, it might just have worked.  As it is, these irksome digressions weaken the film considerably and merely draw our attention to the weaknesses of the screenplay - superficial characterisation, a plethora of dated clichés and a breathtaking lack of structure.  Thanks primarily to the efforts of its leads (and a creditable performance from rap performer Joey Starr) Passe-passe just about manages to snatch our indulgence and stave off boredom, but the ride isn't as comfortable as it might have been if Marshall had exercised the same rigour as on some of her previous films.

Film Synopsis

Irène Montier Duval has a designer bag full of cash and desperately needs someone to drive her to Geneva.  Darry Marzouki is an out-of-work stage magician who is at the wheel of an expensive car and is badly in need of money.  It seems like a marriage made in Heaven.  Irène and Darry's fortuitous encounter would appear to solve both of their problems.  Irène has just absconded with the pay-off intended for a covert arms deal between a French minister and Korea - when the deal fell through it seemed the natural thing to do.  Darry has just stolen his annoying brother-in-law's BMW because this is the surest way he can get back at the man he loathes more than anyone else in the world.

Irène's offer of a large wad of cash in exchange for driving her to Switzerland is tempting but Darry cannot accept.  To put her off, he insists he is on his way to Locarno to attend an anti-globalisation conference.  The deception backfires - Irène is willing to go anywhere Darry is prepared to take her.  So, for the next three days, this ill-matched duo are bound to one another by a shared need to escape and a distinct lack of forward-planning.  The only thing that is certain is that neither of them can turn back now.  The rightful owners of the purloined car and stolen money are not far behind them and they are not in a forgiving frame of mind.  So, whilst Irène and Darry are free for the moment, they are unlikely to remain so for much longer...