Le mystère Henri Pick

There's a library in a French provincial town that holds the manuscripts refused by the publishers. Among those lies a book of gold - a novel that resonates with the public and becomes a bestseller. The author is Henri Pick - a man who hadn't been seen writing or reading a novel in his life time. When famous literary critic (Fabrice Luchini) claims Henri Pick had not actually written the book the public is enraged. As a result he loses his tv job and his marriage. It is now an obsession for him to prove he was right and he embarks on a hilarious journey to find the truth.

Fabrice Luchini is fantastic in the main role of literary critic gone astray, the role feels written specifically for him. If the film was made in the 80's the role could be played by Pierre Richard. Just like Richard, Luchini has a perfect balance of hilarious and dramatic and the film draws on this talent in every frame he is in.

Part intellectual mystery, part comedy, part love story, part a serious dwelling on what it means to be an artist THE MYSTERY OF HENRI PICK is almost a perfect movie. In a country where 90% of people read extensively and 70% attempt to write the next great French novel the film exist in a parallel universe from most overseas viewers. Who cares about a book unless it's Game Of Thrones or Harry Potter? But this suspension of disbelief is easy to overcome with engaging characters and quirky dialog.

The script is focused, inventive and delivers a perfect ending. It definitely tricked me. Supported by a cheeky and slightly frantic score from a young (but also a veteran in his own way) French musician Laurent Perez Del Mar, THE MYSTERY OF HENRY PICK is the best French Cinema has to offer. As much tongue in the cheek as it is serious, this is an intellectual mystery and a guilty pleasure in one!

I loved this improbable encounter between: 1) Fabrice Luchini as a literary critic at first pedantic and unpleasant, then sensitive, facetious and pertinent after receiving 2 strong slaps (figuratively but legitimately and almost concomitantly), 2) Marie-Christine Orry as a librarian deep in Brittany, with her unforgettable voice, 3) Bastien Bouillon as a young writer lacking in gratitude and then self-confidence, 4) Camille Cottin as a spontaneous but moderately cheerful Breton woman, 5) ... (not-exhaustive list).

What an intelligent entertainment, without forgetting of course the sumptuous landscapes of Brittany!

Mysterious journey into the life of a mysterious person that supposedly has written a sensational mysterious novel that has been found in a library mysterious department of shredded novels that no publishers wants to achieve and develope. a little grey litterature critique man looses his grip on life to find out who the author henri pick was.

its a well made, quite witty french kinda occupational ''crimethriller'' on the psevdonymious nature of many writers, but also the way publishers may fool the common man and woman, to read or not to read...thats the question. its well acted, and the script very well made except the main clue, how did he find the true nature of the fake, the syntax of the writer couldve been better elaborated or revealed, actually it was a special and exciting way to make a nisje, dull story become interesting , even for me the illiterate grumpy old man. so fill your grale with the wine of poetry and do have a look at this one.a recommend.

The storyline idea is original but the film rambles on too long to keep the attention of the viewer.

Certain outcomes are obvious but the ending is unexpected albeit a bit long winded.

Agatha Christie need not worry.

I really loved this movie from the beginning to the end. Easy going, with fine specific French humor, smells like good old times, it kept my attention all the way. Great acting too. Realy refreshing!