This film was made in 1994 when Altman did READY TO WEAR(in which Michel Blanc appeared coincidentally)and the extraordinary thing is that GROSSE FATIGUE accomplishes to be more of an Altman film than PRET A PORTER. It is to Blanc's credit that he is able to make the first really Gaelic silly American film with a major cast of well known French actors as well as people like Regine and director Roman Polanski in cameos which emphasize the problems of French cinema and its state at the time;and even how it is today. There are moments reminiscent of Blake Edwards PINK PANTHER absurdities with gorgeous Bouquet doing a wonderful takeoff of Capucine.Blanc himself does a French Woody Allen without effort even though his opinions are less coy and more direct than Allen's typical delivery.Paris, Provence; even Cannes or the Carlton NEVER looked better and made me yearn to hop a concorde.I have no idea how I missed this when it first came out, but I am still laughing at how much fun I had at discovering this quirky, yet well executed comedy. The mistakes made are more charming than jarring and Paris never looked more Parisian. A unique film from France which deserved more promotion.
Review of Dead Tired
