Le Bal des casse-pieds (1992)
Directed by Yves Robert

Film Review

This deliciously funny comedy from director Yves Robert brings together some of the most familiar and best loved actors in French cinema, including the magnificent Jean Rochefort and the ever-delightful Miou-Miou.  The film is in the style of Robert's earlier off-the-wall comedies - such as the popular Un éléphant ça trompe énormément (1976) - combining a plethora of hilarious visual jokes with some very tongue-in-cheek comic dialogue (courtesy of ace screenwriter Jean-Loup Dabadie).
Needless to say, Rochefort is excellent as the film's lead actor, bringing a touch of class to even its sillier moments, although even he is momentarily outshone by some of the film's other contributors.  Jean-Pierre Bacri and Jean Yanne each steal the show in two of the films most memorable vignettes, both cleverly playing on their public persona to great effect.

Despite its nonsensical plot and a few misfired comic situations, Le Bal des Casse-Pieds is a witty and entertaining film which is occassionally heart-stoppingly hilarious.  Oozing with Gallic charm, it will particularly appeal to those who have enjoyed Yves Robert's other films, including Le Grand blond avec une chaussure noire (1972) and La Gloire de mon père (1990).

Film Synopsis

Parisian vet Henry Sauveur would most probably be enjoying a fairly decent existence, if it weren't for the pathetic egocentrics and loathsome trouble-causers who keep thrusting their way into his life like unwelcome guests at a party.  If his friend Jérôme, a TV weather presenter, and his sister Marie-Paule aren't bending his ear with their tales of woe, his demanding clients are on his back, expecting him to perform miracles for their mangy pets.  An easy going soul, Henry wants nothing more than to lie back and enjoy life in the company of a good woman, and it looks as if his boat has finally come in when Louise suddenly shows up.

Henry and Louise met purely by chance, after the latter collided with a motorist whilst riding her bike.  Louise was in no mood for social niceties and she sent her unwelcome admirer away with a flea in his ear, convinced that he was taking the side of the irate motorist.  Never one to give up easily, Cupid tries again, and the two then meet up, again by chance, at party.  Alas, the pain-in-the-necks strike again and Henry's attempts to get to know Louise are cruelly thwarted a second time.  Luckily, Cupid has many more arrows in his quiver - and on this occasion he is going to need every one of them if love is to follow its true course...