Oscar

More shallow than this famous comedy is hard to find. Paradoxically, more hilarious than Edouard Molinaro's "Oscar" is even harder to pick up. I personally favor satire and humor based on human behavior over those mindless restless bedroom farces centered on infidelity and slamming doors. Well, this looks very much like a mindless farce: a restless businessman, a maid who resigns, a brutish masseur, a dishonest right-hand man who bullies his employer, a daughter who happens to be pregnant, a suitcase passing from hand to hand... nothing very profound about that, to be sure! And yet, I couldn't help laughing (and I was not alone, believe me) from the very first to the very last minute. Only one conclusion can be drawn: the comic machinery of the diabolical Magnier-de Funès- Molinaro trio is so well-oiled that this filmed version of " Oscar " (there are five other ones including one starring... Sylvester Stallone!) makes it simply irresistible. A real whirlwind that sweeps through the movie theater and leaves you breathless, not to say wheezing, with Louis de Funès at the top of his art.

This boulevard comedy is to Louis de Funès and to French comedies of error what Arsenic et vieilles dentelles (1944) is to Cary Grant and to American black comedies. You would expect each to be just another entry in a long list of theater adaptations, but each is perfectly executed by a brilliant ensemble led by one of the most famous actors of all time.

In terms of plot, this is a standard but well written comedy of errors concerning daughters, prospective sons-in-law and suitcases. But the execution, with great pacing and comedic timing, takes it to another level.

It appears that Louis de Funès is internationally best known for Les Aventures de Rabbi Jacob (1973). In France he has continuously been the most popular actor since the decade this film came out, and even in my native Germany he comes close. Here, as I believe in most of Europe, he may not be the most popular actor, but he is still immensely popular and the most popular French actor. Unfortunately, this may be changing due to German TV's recent propensity to endlessly repeat the weaker sequels of Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez (1964) while being stingy with gems such as the present film.

Louis de Funès plays the standard type that he is known for: the hyperactive, choleric, bad-faith but ultimately likeable, businessman thrown into hilariously chaotic circumstances. Clearly the star of the film, he nevertheless doesn't try to run away with the show. Everyone gets their moments in which they are featured. Claude Gensac is perhaps best known for playing the wives of de Funès' characters, and in this film we can see why. Her role is relatively minor, but with her deadpan delivery she makes the perfect comedic foil (straight man) for de Funès' eccentricity.

The film that almost killed my friend R-G, from an overdose of laughs, "Oscar" has a special place in my cinema loving mind, not because it is original or something, but because it's so damn good!

The best big screen version of a theatrical play, (Sylvester Stallone didn't do too bad, but when you compare with Louis de Funès you are doomed to loose!) it practically takes place inside a house, during one day. The confusion that is created by a series of misunderstandings, carries you away and makes you feel compassion for the desperation of Louis de Funès, during the breaks you take from laughing, in order to breath.

Sorry for my enthusiasm, but I like this one a lot. I know that opinions vary, but in my opinion, "Oscar" is one of the best comedies ever made, mostly for the amount of funny situations it serves you throughout the entire film.

8)

This is one of my favorites since I've watched it for the first time as a kid. It's a typical french comedy from the 60's era. You can watch the movie several times and it is still funny; it makes you dizzy trying to find out in which of the several black suit cases the money, the jewelry or the lingerie is...and it's a treat to watch Louis de Funes trying to make sense of all the confusion. And his nervous breakdown in the middle of the film wrote movie history. The supporting cast is equally funny, just watch out for the masseur! Don't waste your time with the remake by John Landis with Sylvester Stallone in the leading role, go for the original one.

The script is stuffed with manipulations, lies, surprises and dumb characters so it's nearly one laugh guaranteed with every lines! To keep your pleasure, i wouldn't tell more, above all it is very complicated to resume!

I had the pleasure to see 3 versions of this story: one with "Sly" Stallone, another with Bernard Tapie (ex-president of the biggest football club in France, ex-Minister, ex-prisoner and now actor) and this one with De Funès.This latter, even being the oldest stays the best and for a long time, I think!

When people say De Funès knows only to make faces, I would recommend watching "Oscar" wide eyes open! Louis excels with his tone, his energy and his reactions. If he plays again and always a Machiavellian bad guy, for me, he shows a lot of humanity and a big heart!

That's the only problem with De Funes: as his movies built my childhood, I confused his real kindness with his characters: in other words, he makes me happy so he inspired me. But as his embodies bad guys, vile boss and hypocritical, I copy that and never have his success. Everybody was taken my words for real!

De Funès should have won an Oscar for this "Oscar"!