I really hate to criticize a French-Quebec co-production, and additionally one starring Richard Bohringer, in a "signature role." But I'm surprised that this film, which I saw at the Paris Film Festival in April 1999, was finally released. It was supposed to open wide just after the festival, but didn't for several months, and it was never released widely. (I wonder why?.) One of the worse police comedies I have ever seen, this slow-paced, out of place film is absolutely implausible and is downright boring. All the (very routine) action takes place in provincial Quebec, but everyone, including the locals, have Parisian accents. Quebec accents are thrown during a couple of scenes at a backwater police station, but this only serves to highlight that this film takes place in a "French Twilight Zone." Certainly, co-productions always force upon us some actors sporting out of place accents. However, explanations, no matter how far-fetched, are given. Here, they are all out of place. This absurdity is so overwhelming that no explanations are given while developing (if that can be said) the characters. Who financed this folly? It is obviously as commercial a French film as they come. This folly is not the work of an eccentric "author." The producers must have suffered from temporary insanity, or were on vacation when this project was approved.
Review of Cinq minutes de détente
