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OSS 117 review
:. Director: Michel Hazanavicius
:. Starring: Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo
:. Script: Jean-François Halin
:. Running Time: 1:40
:. Year: 2006
:. Original Title: OSS 117
:. Country: France
:. Official Site: OSS 117
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While chances are that you've never heard of this French spy before this adaptation hits your local screen, OSS 117 had quite a prolific career in France from the 50's to the 70's, with a couple hundred novels and a few films under his belt. Contrary to popular belief this character wasn't a French answer to Ian Fleming's more famous incarnation, as writer Jean Bruce introduced OSS 117 to the world a few years before Bond's debut, Casino Royale.
What differentiates this new take on OSS 117 from previous entries is that Michel Hazanavicius's film goes for the spoof rather than for a serious adaptation and that, in the process, it broadens its reach to Bond's territories. Of course you might argue that making fun of Bond — and spy films — is nothing new, from the original Casino Royale to Austin Powers and Get Smart, but this comedy takes a more subtle and incisive direction, with a strong dose of social and political commentary in the background.
OSS 117 novels were indeed created at a time when France was losing the last pieces of its colonial empire. The secret agent was mostly evolving in a post-colonial world where the newly independent nations were often seen as enemies. Not only did an uncomfortable colonialist feel fuel these stories, but there were hints of racial stereotypes as well.
Fully aware of this background, rather than just going for a standard parody, the filmmakers turned their movie into an ideological satire, a satire of these films and novels but, most importantly, of the political ideas of that era. What's even more daunting in their approach is that they used their hero as a vehicle for their message. Not only is he awkward, in the tradition of the spy spoof sub-genre, but he is also loaded with racist and sexist stereotypes.
To accompany these — generally — subtle jokes and make them work in their context, French humorist Jean Dujardin brings a strong dose of self-derision, managing to bring charm to his idiotic character.
Add to this a great production value, some clever lines and enough adventure to keep you entertained all along and it becomes clear that this hilarious comedy is not only one of the best achievements in mainstream French cinema in these last few years but also the most ambitious spy skit you'll see.
Fred Thom
 French Films - Reviews
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