On paper this might have seemed viable or even plausible; two very different types of men thrown together by circumstance and embroiled in a 'caper', just the sort of thing in fact that Francis Veber does with one hand behind his back. Alas, this is a Francis Veber type film sans Francis Veber so that the result is more embarrassment than laffs. For me Michele Laroque was a major selling point but though prominent on the billing and publicity she has what amounts to a cameo as a bank official. Somehow Daniel Auteuil and Clovis Cornillac, neither naturally comic, fail to spark as a team so that Gerard Depardieu and Pierre Richard can rest easy. The plot won't stand scrutiny under a strong light so I won't subject it to one, suffice it to say that Cornillac is called upon to portray an aristocrat-cum-spy whilst Auteuil weighs in as an interpreter who seizes the chance to exploit the 'expenses' aspect of a new assignment. For reasons best known to the Producers Tim Piggot-Smith, Jennifer Saunders and John Cleese are also on hand and probably wish they weren't. If you think Mr Bean is funny this'll kill you, otherwise do yourself a favor and watch Double Jeopardy.
Review of L'entente cordiale
