Ma petite entreprise (1999)
Directed by Pierre Jolivet

Film Review

There are not many film makers who can use a tough social drama as the basis for a fast-moving light-hearted comedy, but Pierre Jolivet manages just that with Ma petite entreprise, his best film since Force majeure (1989).  With its dramatic opening, the spectator is easily wrong-footed into thinking this is going to be a gruelling piece of social realism, a real human drama in which the failings of the French state are exposed for what they are.  Jolivet boldly chooses not to go down that path and instead opts for a bizarre mix of drama, comedy and thriller - an odd concoction of genres which works surprisingly well.

The script is one of Jolivet's best.  Not only does it provide the film with a strong, well-paced storyline, but it has some great dialogue, including some excruciatingly funny one-liners.  The characters are well-drawn, convincing and likeable, although it's hard to tell whether this is down to Jolivet's excellent cast or to his fine script.  Vincent Lindon is rarely as good as he is in this film, handling the film's darker dramatic moments with great sensitivity, whilst proving he can also deliver great comedy.  François Berléand is excellent as the film's sympathetic bad guy, the kind of role for which he is so well-suited that he seems destined to play it for the rest of his career.  There are also great contributions from most of the supporting cast, particularly Zabou and Roschdy Zem.

Whilst Ma petite entreprise may not be Pierre Jolivet's most original or challenging film (his creepy 1991 sci-fi thriller Simple mortel still has that honour), it is certainly a daring departure from the norm.  However, unlike his previous film En plein coeur (1998), it was one that French audiences and critics responded to positively.  Quirky and stylish, the film still manages to be socially relevant, but above all else it is hugely enjoyable.

Film Synopsis

Ivan is the owner of a carpentry business which has been in his family for three generations.  Imagine his despair when, one day, his workshop and most of his stock are decimated by a fire.  Thankfully, he is insured and the insurance money will allow him to carry on his business - at least that's what he thinks.  In fact, his insurance agent has been pocketing his money without registering his policy with the insurance company.   Facing ruin, Ivan has no other option than to break into the insurance company's headquarters and enter his details on their computer.  To this end, he enlists Sami, the boyfriend of his ex-wife, Maxime, his crooked insurer and his teenage son.  Will Ivan succeed or is he destined to end up in prison…?