Film number 21 – OSS 117: Lost In Rio
Well yet another sequel in less than a week, and if you are wondering what the hell the first OSS was? Stop reading and check out the trailer for the first film now that you are at least a bit more enlightened we can begin. Yes this is the sequel to the first film entitled OSS 117: Cairo Nest of Spies, which spoofs the famous French spy series with great skill and care. The first OSS was one of those rare movies that not only spoofs the genre’s themes, acting and writing but also completely lampoons the filmmaking as well. The film, in fact both of the films manage to work and move along without having to shamelessly insert random pop culture references like the American counter parts – Scary Movie etc. I’m going to be talking about the second film mainly but note that when I mention a particular strength in the filmmaking it is also very relevant towards the first as well.
Now we begin the film fully immersed in French filmmaking of the 1950’s, the period detail is spot on the vintage Gaumont logo beginning a great set of titles that would make Saul Bass proud, all of these beautiful details take us into this period and never stops, every part of the mise en scene is perfect. All authentic to a tee, the music, the clothes, the camera angles, the rear projection driving scenes, the acting, EVERYTHING! This is probably the best pastiche of a period that I have ever seen and some of the most impressive filmmaking to witness. What restrain it must have taken to make sure every detail was correct, to stop yourself from grandiose action sequences and typical antics that we see in The Bourne’s and the Bond’s, and not only to stop yourself but to make the scenes just as interesting and thrilling.
This time around our favorite French spy, played again by Jean Dujardin must go undercover with the rather uncharismatic alias of Noel Flauntier; a name he cannot figure out how to use to make the women interested – this is just one of the many jokes that runs throughout the movie. If I am to be critical I would say that the humor is not as constant as the first film and the plot not as strong but it is still a great movie. Do not be put off by the thought of a French comedy, the script is far sharper then what you are likely to see coming out of the multiplexes. It’s bizarre how funny this film is even when you have to read all the punch lines, it says a lot for the writing and also for the superb delivery and comic timing of the actors and director. Dujardin is a true comic master, I hope he stays in France forever and never tries to broaden his audience, I mean that in the nicest way, is extremely talented and if he keeps on making comedies of this caliber he will be a legend anyway. He plays the role with the right amount of wit and charm, very aloof, it’s kind of Clouseau with confidence and style.
Like the first film the leading lady is absolutely stunning, Louise Monot plays an Israeli officer who has to put up with OSS’ misogynistic comments and general lack of respect. She is great as the straight man to the silly detective and has an amazing introduction where the camera focuses on her legs then splits the shot to about 50 boxes of the same leg shot. The films plot is a wonderful farce featuring escaped Nazis, masked luchador wrestling henchmen, Chinese Gangsters, a ton of Mossad agents, a foul mouthed American spy and many other racially offensive clichés. Now I mentioned that this film is not as strong as the first and that is true, most of the problem is that the magic is gone; for me when I saw the original two years ago the comedy was so fresh and new, the film was so daring and well made. This film is never boring but instead of feeling like I had discovered this great new film it seems more like I’m getting to see an old friend again.
Another problem is that the story and plotting defiantly loses its direction, about half way through the characters wind up stranded in a jungle, this allows a lot of very funny wilderness survival themed moments but doesn’t help or progress the story. The story itself is not what makes the film in fact it is generally just a complete farce but it is always there and this moment doe make the film plod along at this moment. Luckily the ending is huge and spectacular, completely overblown and end the film on a huge high; it is a giant chase scene over the Christ the Redeemer statue ending with a giant kiss as fireworks explode in the background as the camera slowly zooms out. The moment is so hyperbolic that it fits the film perfectly and enhances the tone of the film.
As I write this I believe that there are plans for another OSS 117 film and I think it’s a wonderful thing, if you are to try and draw any parallels to any other films the logical ones would be the Austin Powers movies which I feel nearly had it down perfect but they again the got very pop culture and the humor became a bit too low brow and I try to block the third film out of my mind. What director Michel Hazanavicius and Dujardin have done is create a character and a world that is so much fun to see that I could easily sit though many more chapters. Hunt this one down and also make sure you see the first film as well, they are probably some of the most original comedies made in the last decade, even though they are basically remake parodies.
7 out of 10
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