The film maintains a pointedly swift pace, and the first minutes of exposition are so brisk in establishing the foundation of the story and comedy to come - "the hero" returns before fifteen minutes have elapsed - that one risks whiplash. Yet Jean Dujardin is consistent and reliable, and I trust Mélanie Laurent and Noémie Merlant even more. And it absolutely must be said that filmmaker Laurent Tirard and co-writer Grégoire Vigneron immediately illustrate how wonderfully sharp a wit they possess, for the laughs come as quickly, heartily, and profusely as the dialogue. 'Le retour du héros' sagely splits the divide between more measured and restrained notes of comedy, reflecting the period setting, and more modern overt modern sensibilities including no small amount of raunchiness; some facets are a tad contrived, but only with the intent of fostering humor. And that intent is never not successful, for the dialogue is sharp, the characters are wild, the scenario and scene writing are outrageous, and the narrative that all this builds is tremendous fun from the very beginning to the very end. I absolutely love this!
Dujardin, Laurent, and Merlant have unquestionably proven their great skills as actors time and again, and the involvement of just one is enough to warrant my attention for any given feature. That all their irrepressible gifts - range, personality, subtlety, physicality, poise - are bent here toward the most silly and ridiculous comedy only makes me adore them each all the more. Of all the frivolities Dujardin has made this might actually be his best; Laurent and Merlant I'm more accustomed to seeing in dramas, or at least comedy-dramas, so to see them let loose here is plainly a blessing. Tirard and Vigneron's screenplay is a treasure; Tirard's direction is unfailing in squeezing every last preposterous drop out of the scenario and his actors, and in making this the vibrant blaze of joy that it is. True, there does come a point in the last act when the storytelling experiences a tonal shift of unexpected earnestness, yet so deft is imagination and capability of all involved that even those more sincere tinges are in turn carefully twisted to deliciously fun ends. If a variation in tone is the worst that can be said of 'Le retour du héros,' then I'd say it's done incredibly well for itself.
Meanwhile, in every other capacity this picture is altogether perfect. The costume design, hair, and makeup are as lovely as could be, matching exquisite production design, art direction, and filming locations to bring the early nineteenth century to vivid life. Guillaume Schiffman's cinematography and Yann Malcor's editing are equally keen; Mathieu Lamboley's score dances between themes that would be appropriate for an honest take on the same story, and themes that are cheeky and playful in keeping with the broad tenor. While the stars naturally stand out most, the supporting part is just as swell. And so on, and so on. The end result of so much obvious care, passion, and free-wheeling reverie is a movie that's terrifically entertaining, an unremitting delight like relatively few titles can claim. I fully anticipated enjoying this just based on the names attached, and still I'm so incredibly pleased at just how good and funny it is. Writing, acting, direction - in all regards it's simply excellent, and only ever shaped with a mind for wholehearted bluster.
As far as I'm concerned it's all but a must-see; I have a hard time thinking of anyone who wouldn't like this. My expectations have been exceeded, and I couldn't be happier: 'Le retour du héros' is a total blast, and it earns my highest, most enthusiastic recommendation!
Dujardin, Laurent, and Merlant have unquestionably proven their great skills as actors time and again, and the involvement of just one is enough to warrant my attention for any given feature. That all their irrepressible gifts - range, personality, subtlety, physicality, poise - are bent here toward the most silly and ridiculous comedy only makes me adore them each all the more. Of all the frivolities Dujardin has made this might actually be his best; Laurent and Merlant I'm more accustomed to seeing in dramas, or at least comedy-dramas, so to see them let loose here is plainly a blessing. Tirard and Vigneron's screenplay is a treasure; Tirard's direction is unfailing in squeezing every last preposterous drop out of the scenario and his actors, and in making this the vibrant blaze of joy that it is. True, there does come a point in the last act when the storytelling experiences a tonal shift of unexpected earnestness, yet so deft is imagination and capability of all involved that even those more sincere tinges are in turn carefully twisted to deliciously fun ends. If a variation in tone is the worst that can be said of 'Le retour du héros,' then I'd say it's done incredibly well for itself.
Meanwhile, in every other capacity this picture is altogether perfect. The costume design, hair, and makeup are as lovely as could be, matching exquisite production design, art direction, and filming locations to bring the early nineteenth century to vivid life. Guillaume Schiffman's cinematography and Yann Malcor's editing are equally keen; Mathieu Lamboley's score dances between themes that would be appropriate for an honest take on the same story, and themes that are cheeky and playful in keeping with the broad tenor. While the stars naturally stand out most, the supporting part is just as swell. And so on, and so on. The end result of so much obvious care, passion, and free-wheeling reverie is a movie that's terrifically entertaining, an unremitting delight like relatively few titles can claim. I fully anticipated enjoying this just based on the names attached, and still I'm so incredibly pleased at just how good and funny it is. Writing, acting, direction - in all regards it's simply excellent, and only ever shaped with a mind for wholehearted bluster.
As far as I'm concerned it's all but a must-see; I have a hard time thinking of anyone who wouldn't like this. My expectations have been exceeded, and I couldn't be happier: 'Le retour du héros' is a total blast, and it earns my highest, most enthusiastic recommendation!