La Crise (1992)
Directed by Coline Serreau

Film Review

Tirelessly funny yet very truthful in its portrayal of human relationships and some important social themes, La Crise is a worthy successor to Coline Serreau's previous cinematic successes, Trois hommes et un couffin (1985) and Romuald et Juliette (1989).   In one of his best performances to date, Vincent Lindon skilfully portrays a man struggling to get his life together after a series of disasters derail him, propelling him into a typically French variant on the road movie concept, a tough but comical voyage of self discovery.

The excellent Patrick Timsit is perfectly cast as Lindon's scruffy side-kick, another convincing, very likeable performance which brings great pathos and humour to the film.  Serreau's writing and direction are at their best - the mix of comedy and drama bringing some great laughs as well as some moments of genuine poignancy.  The sombre cinematography - a trademark of this director - hints at the anguish behind the humour, reminding us of the human pain that accompanies many a joke.  On the strength of its originality, wit and understated humanity, this must surely rate as one of Coline Serreau's finest films.

Film Synopsis

Victor's cosy little world comes tumbling down around him when, on the same day, he loses both his wife and his well-paid job as a legal consultant.  He doesn't know which way to turn, which is just as well since all of his friends seem to have problems of their own to deal with.  Paul, a doctor who specialises in homeopathy, finds himself in deep water when he gets on the wrong side of his wife Martine, and the latter's sister Sophie is in a terrible state as her plans for the winter holidays start to unravel.  Marie has broken up with her boyfriend, and not before time according to her musician friend Tania, who is in a state as she gets herself ready for a concert in a few days' time.  Meanwhile, Victor's former boss Laurent has his own worries, with his wife Françoise itching to divorce him.  In this maelstrom of misery the only person who can sympathise with Victor in his hour of need is Michou, a solitary but likeable down-and-out.  When Victor pays a visit to his parents with his sister Isabelle another drama presents itself.  Victor's mother has made up her mind to start a new life with her neighbour, Monsieur Borin...