Review of On A Vole La Joconde

Introduction

Stylistically it`s difficult to accept that this is a movie written and directed by the same chap (Michel Deville) who went on the direct `Death in a French Garden`. I guess it`s a testament to his versatility that this movie bears no relation to the latter in any immediately noticeable respect except maybe one - this is a terrifically well-executed piece. It`s kind on the eye, it`s fun (and funny) and it`s wonderfully cast. It`s just that this seems to have more in common with an Ealing comedy or a Brian Rix farce than it does with the bleak existential seriousness of `DIAFG`.

George Chakris, (West Side Story, 633 Squadron), at the height of his charm, plays the part of a likeable `gentlemen` thief (Romeo) who is driven to relieve the Louvre of the Mona Lisa, and charm the pants off all members of the female cast, in equal measure. Part thriller, but mostly comedy, it moves along at a pace and there are some delightful moments. The police are more Inspector Clouseau than Hercule Poirot (I know - Belgian! But you get my point…), and there are moments of extreme pantomime farce as the chase begins.

The movie gets off to a quick start as our hero works his way into a position of trust at a framing and repair gallery that services the Louvre. He`s quick to pick up the inept security guard`s love of chess (played by Italian Alberto Bonucci, probably to please the Italian backers of this co-funded French movie) - and it`s not long before the guard is lured off the job to free up the gallery for the ultimate art crime.

In the meantime, our charmer has spotted the love of his life, the beautiful Marina Vlady who plays a standoffish Chambermaid working in (it`s true!) `The Mona Lisa Hotel`. She claims to have a preference for old and ugly men with money than young and handsome men with none so his advances are effectively snubbed. She chooses to try her luck with a travelling magician who appears to be a man of means, though inevitably her path with Romeo will cross again and again. I don`t want to spoil the ending but the stealing of the painting seems to be something of an aphrodisiac and it`s not long before the two lovers are finally (and rightfully) re-united. The sexual electricity between the two is crackling and fizzing as the two make their way towards their planned destination in Spain, with a comedic array of characters on their tail.

The film has a wonderful richness and vibrancy to it, partly due to location, partly to cinematography and partly due to stock of the period. Chakris and Vlady are both very kind on the eyes throughout and the film exudes a healthy charm and sense of fun.

I found myself forgetting that this was a French film. It ran as smoothly as a Brit-com and was equally as entertaining as most. It`s also a film that children would enjoy and would be a first class introduction to the French language for those taking classes.

Video

Apart from some initial scratches during the opening titles, this print and transfer was really first class. The picture is consistently sharp, vibrant and clean, and is presented in 16:9 (rather than the 4:3 of so many of C`est La Vie`s previous issues).

Audio

This is presented in perfectly serviceable Dolby Mono. The music takes the movie pretty close to the scores on the Carry-Ons (replete with swannee whistles, springs and squelches) and generally adds to the sense of fun.

Features

There`s the usual unfathomable `Photo Gallery` - a series of stills that look like they`ve come straight from frames in the movie. The animated menu on this release was rather nicer than any I`ve seen on previous C`est La Vie issues too which shows a an increasing interest in creating quality product. Also included are text based scrolling biographies of Michel Deville, George Chakris and Alberto Bonucci. There`s the pre-requisite trailer too, though this is for other releases from C`est La Vie.

Conclusion

This entertaining comedy, starring louche charmer George Chakris and the incredibly beautiful Marina Vlady, will be enjoyed by any member of the family - from kids to grandparents. Almost `Ealing comedy` in approach, the plot errs occasionally on the farcical but there is much adventure, laughter and romance packed into its fast-moving 90 minutes. It`s a visual treat too, with wonderful rich and vibrant colours and a wide array of fabulous French exteriors to feast your eyes on. It`s difficult to reconcile this light comedy with Deville`s later work (`Death in a French Garden`) though this film is equally well-crafted in it`s own way. This first class print makes the DVD a worthwhile purchase, and like the wonderful Ealing comedies that wielded their influence on Michel Deville, it`s a guaranteed repeat view.