Le viager

It is said that human minds are full of ideas which do not seem to have any plausible logical interpretation. This is one major reason why it is quite possible that one person's joy can be other person's misery. However, it is equally possible that one cannot live forever merely by wishing misfortune for others. It is on this bizarre yet funny theme that director Pierre Tchernia collaborated with Astérix writer René Goscinny to direct "Le Viager". The film is a true « laugh riot » from the beginning as viewers are likely to have a good laugh even at the manner in which opening credits have been shot. What makes this film a true gem of 'comedy cinema' is its depiction of historical events which are seen through some comical minds. It is interesting to watch how various facets of an average French person's life are shown especially covetous disposition to own a house at all costs. This film's original title "Le Viager" finds its origin in the word "Viage" which in old French means time of life. Hence, this word evokes a state of uncertainty, a risk regarding the duration of life. Le Viager (The life annuity) is a particular mode of sale of movable property. It consists of transforming all or part of the cost of the property in an annual and lifetime annuity (annual regular income for life) for the benefit of the seller. This annuity is usually paid monthly or quarterly (according to agreement between both parties). It is made on the day of the signing of the deed and expires at the time of the death of the seller. It is governed by articles 1968-1983 of the Civil Code.

One of the best French comedies ever filmed. The basic idea is comedy gold and the execution rises to the challenge : the plot is both witty and funny, the dialogues are inspired and there are puns, jokes and running gags galore, interspersed with gloriously demented scenes. Even the montages meant to show the passage of time are delightful. In short : one recognizes the divine paw of René Goscinny, of "Obelix and Asterix" fame.

And the fun doesn't stop there : the movie has a stellar cast giving stellar performances. About the only thing bothering me is Michel Serrault's make-up. The said make-up, which is supposed to represent the gradual progression of time deep into venerable old age, is both ugly and unconvincing. And this is not an insignificant detail, given the fact that the age and aging of Serrault are major plot elements.

Viewers need to be aware that much of the humor is dark to the point of blackness : the comedy is speaking of the corrosive effects of avarice and envy on the human soul. However, it is not an immoral or nihilistic movie : innocence is rewarded, while the various evildoers all get what's coming to them. In fact, the ending includes a pretty literal case of an "engineer hoist with his own petard"...

A doctor is giving another couple of years to live to the owner of a house in the south of France. He is suggested to sell it through a special way of financing (called "viager", a life annuity). Obviously the scenario written by the creator of Asterix and Obelix will happen in an unpredictable manner for the new owner of the house who has to wait for the death of the initial owner... A typical French comedy!

The "viager" subject ,that is to say to sell a house in return for a life annuity is given a tremendous treatment by Pierre Tchernia, then the host of a very popular TV broadcast for cine buffs :"Monsieur Cinéma".

It was his first effort and it's thoroughly enjoyable,from start to finish: never a dull moment ,plenty of sudden new developments and a bevy of excellent actors: Michel Serrault as the owner of the house who does not want to die ,Michel Galabru as the mischievous doctor who urges his self-conscious brother to buy this nice place in Saint-Tropez for his patient will die "within two years". The stellar cast includes Rosy Varte as the authoritarian wife, Yves Robert as the failed navy officer turned person who rents out pedalo boats , Claude Brasseur as the shameless son , Jean Carmet as the alcoholic lawyer who wins his first case before dying of a heart attack ,and even Noel Roquevert in the last part of a career which spans half a century !

Helped by René Goscinny , who created worldwide famous comic character Astérix Le Gaulois, Tchernia came up with riotously funny lines, full of black humor and a story which spans 40 years , using historic events with skill (although informing was mainly frequent in the occupation days so the lieutenant commander 's scene becomes almost prophetic.)

All the hypocrit family 's attempts to do away with this man who clings to the tree of live backfires on them : they unwittingly make their victim a resistance fighter hero; and all along these forty years , he calls them "his dear family ,his benefactors ". And this annuity index-linked to the aluminum rate !

It's a joyful comedy ,but with noir undertones:the doctor 's political ideas are not particularly enthusing .Perhaps inspired by a Maupassant 's short story :"le petit fût".

I once watched this movie when I was just a child on TV. This was translated by CCTV (China Central Television) to Chinese. I was so impressed because it was just so funny.

But today, unfortunately, no matter how I tried, I just cannot find any versions of this movie with Chinese or English subtitles or dub.

I sincerely request that if you know any access to watch this with English subtitles or dub, please contact me : 13121636441@163.com. Thank you so much!!