Un crime au paradis (2001)
Directed by Jean Becker

Comedy
aka: A Crime in Paradise

Film Review

Abstract picture representing Un crime au paradis (2001)
This lightweight black comedy was inspired by a well-known 1951 film La Poison, directed by Sacha Guitry and starring Michel Simon.  Whilst it may not be as satisfying as that earlier film, Un crime au paradis does have some appeal, thanks largely to its respectable cast, which includes at least three big name actors - Jacques Villeret, Josiane Balasko, and André Dussollier.  The film was directed by Jean Becker, whose best known films include the seductive thriller L'Été meurtrier (1983) and the nostalgic Provençal comedy Les Enfants du marais (1999).

As with many of Becker's films, the dialogue is a tad over-written (with a load of jokes that just don't work) and stylistically bland (even if the exterior photography is rather sumptuous).  The film's biggest weakness is its ridiculous characterisation.  Villeret's character is little more than a two-dimensional caricature of a country idiot, whilst Balasko's is just so unbelievably vile that it's hard to accept that Villeret hasn't already given her the Norman Bates treatment years ago.  It is the lesser characters that are more interesting and better played.  The doyenne of French cinema, Suzanne Flon is delightful as the elderly schoolmistress, the one credible character in the film, whilst Dominque Lavanant provides the best laughs as the prickly spinster pharmacist, whose one pleasure in life appears to be the procuring of mole poison for disenchanted housewives...
© James Travers 2007
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.
Next Jean Becker film:
Effroyables jardins (2003)

Film Synopsis

After twenty years of marriage Hell, goatherd Jojo Braconnier has finally turned his thoughts to ridding himself of his odious wife Lulu.  The only thing holding him back is the fear that, if he is found guilty of murder, he will be guillotined.  But then, one day, he sees a news report featuring a brilliant lawyer, Jacquard, who has successfully defended over a score of domestic murderers.   Seeing a glimmer of hope, Jojo visits Jacquard and confesses to the murder he has yet to commit.   The lawyer can hardly believe his luck - yet another case which he is certain to win.  Encouraged by Jacquard's optimism, and some helpful advice, Jojo returns home to carry out the perfect murder...
© James Travers
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.


Film Credits

  • Director: Jean Becker
  • Script: Jean Becker, Sébastien Japrisot, Sacha Guitry
  • Cinematographer: Jean-Marie Dreujou
  • Music: Pierre Bachelet
  • Cast: Jacques Villeret (Jojo Braconnier), Josiane Balasko (Lulu Braconnier), André Dussollier (Maître Jacquard), Suzanne Flon (La maîtresse), Gérard Hernandez (Jacky), Roland Magdane (Le patron du café), Valérie Mairesse (Magali), Maryse Deol (La mercière), Jenny Clève (Mme Bertrand, l'épicière), Daniel Prévost (L'avocat Miramont), Jacques Dacqmine (Le président Laborde), Jean Dell (Le juge Frégard), Christine Delaroche (Geneviève, la secrétaire de Jacquard), Eric Bougnon (Le gendarme Briscot), Armand Chagot (L'adjudant), Dominique Lavanant (Mme Goutilleux, la pharmacienne), Michel Bonnet (Le procureur), Jean-Michel Martial (Jacky Lévêque, l'infirmier), Olivier Garnier-Comte (Prisoner), Clarisse Baffier
  • Country: France
  • Language: French
  • Support: Color
  • Runtime: 89 min
  • Aka: A Crime in Paradise

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