L'Africain (1983)
Directed by Philippe de Broca

Film Review

This well-paced adventure-comedy from Philippe de Broca takes an ironic swipe at colonialism and conservatism whilst offering a satisfying parody of the Hollywood African adventure sub-genre.  As is typical in Broca's films (particularly the better ones), the comedy is skilfully restrained for the most part but with some occasional bursts of outlandish farce.  The film has an exotic location whose cinematic potential is exploited to the full - another characteristic of De Broca's distinctive brand of cinema.  Whilst individually Philippe Noiret and Catherine Deneuve work well in the film it is hard to believe their two characters could ever have been man and wife.   Noiret's ebullient performance is nevertheless a treat, combining wicked self-mockery and touching pathos.  Overall, an enjoyable film which is all the more amusing for its camp, tongue-in-cheek characterisation and rampant political incorrectness.

Film Synopsis

Victor has turned his back on the turmoil of modern life in the city and now leads a contented existence in the unspoiled heart of Africa.  A conservation worker, dedicated to the preservation of the flora and fauna in his area, he runs errands for the locals and manages a small grocer's store with his black partner, Joséphine.  Victor's tranquil life is put in jeopardy by the unwished-for arrival of his ex-wife Charlotte and her latest beau, Planchet.  It seems that the latter have ambitions to construct a holiday village in the area.  The purpose of their visit it to make a reconnaissance of the area and test the feasibility of their plan.  Victor is naturally aghast when he hears of this, realising the devastating impact that the proposed holiday camp will have on the local environment.

After Victor refuses point-blank to accompany her on an expedition of the region, Charlotte recruits as her guide another man, Poulakis, not knowing that he is a notorious ivory trafficker.  Poulakis is even less keen than Victor to see Charlotte's plans come to fruition, so he intends abandoning her and her partner in the middle of nowhere and let nature takes its course.  It is Victor who comes to his ex-wife's aid whilst pursuing Poulakis, whose activities are decimating the elephant population.  Although Victor manages to rescue Charlotte, Planchet is taken hostage by the wicked trafficker...