SALUT COUSIN |
| CREDITS: Director: Merzak Allouache. Cast: Gad Elmaleh, Mess Hattou, Magaly Berdy and
Ann Gisel Glass. France/Belgium/Algeria/Luxembourg 1996. INTRODUCTION: Allouache's entertaining pan-European production finally makes it to our fair shores and unfair schedules. SYNOPSIS: Algerian courier Alilo (Elmaleh) arrives in Paris for an important pickup, but carelessly loses the address, forcing him to stay with his somewhat deranged cousin Mok (Hattou) until he can contact his boss. During his stay Alilo is drawn into his cousin's messed up life and takes the opportunity to fall in love with his attractive neighbour Guinan (Berdy). REVIEW: Allouache's comedy drama may never quite live up to its anti-racist statement aspirations but it is none the less a jolly good laugh, thanks in no small part to a strong cast. Elmaleh is a revelation in the lead role, charming the audience from the outset, and papering over the cracks in the narrative with his exuberant performance. Hattou puts in a sterling performance but is constantly eclipsed by the lead. Sadly Berdy and Gisel have little to do, indeed there is little they could do in the face of such a powerful if unbalanced double act. Allouache's direction is assured and while he may allow the story to wander at times, the visuals are never less than stunning, whether it's the seedy back streets of Paris or a sex show involving the works of Da Vinci and Munch, there is always a visual interest. Entertaining continental slice of life. Mutt's Rating: **** |