Get Off My Back ( 1965 )

Get Off My Back (1965): A Deep Dive into French Farce

Get Off My Back, also known as Faites sauter la banque! (Blow Up the Bank!), is a 1965 French comedy film directed by Jean Girault, starring Louis de Funès. While perhaps not as widely celebrated as some of De Funès' other iconic roles, Get Off My Back holds a significant place in his filmography, showcasing his unparalleled talent for physical comedy and exaggerated expressions. The film offers a humorous, if somewhat chaotic, depiction of an ordinary family's misadventures when they attempt to rob a bank to cover their debts. This article will explore the plot, characters, themes, critical reception, and enduring appeal of Get Off My Back, analyzing its place within the broader context of French cinema and Louis de Funès' career.

Synopsis

Victor Garnier (Louis de Funès) is a well-meaning but hapless shopkeeper who runs a struggling novelty store in a small French town. He lives with his wife, Élise (Yvonne Clech), and their three children, each of whom adds to the family's financial woes. Their eldest son, Gérard (Jean-Pierre Zola), is a law student struggling to pass his exams; their daughter, Corinne (Anne Doat), is infatuated with a motorcycle gang member; and their youngest son, Philippe (Georges Atlas), is an aspiring magician constantly causing minor (and sometimes not-so-minor) accidents.

Overwhelmed by debt and the constant demands of his family, Victor finds himself in a desperate situation. He invests all his savings in a seemingly lucrative scheme proposed by a dubious businessman. Predictably, the investment fails, leaving the Garniers on the verge of bankruptcy. In a moment of desperation, Victor, along with his family (who are initially horrified but eventually persuaded), decides to rob the very bank that caused their financial ruin.

Their amateurish attempts at robbery are, of course, far from smooth. They employ a series of ridiculous disguises and schemes, leading to a cascade of comical mishaps. The family's lack of experience and Victor's inherent clumsiness result in a series of escalating blunders, involving mistaken identities, close calls with the police, and general pandemonium. Despite their incompetence, they manage to create enough chaos to momentarily distract the bank employees and steal a substantial amount of money.

However, their success is short-lived. The police quickly identify the Garniers as the perpetrators, and a frantic chase ensues. The family attempts to evade capture using their equally ill-conceived plans, further compounding their troubles. Ultimately, they are apprehended, but not before they manage to hide the stolen money. The film concludes with the Garniers in jail, seemingly resigned to their fate, but with a glimmer of hope that they might eventually recover their ill-gotten gains.

The Characters

The film's success hinges on its well-defined and relatable characters, particularly Louis de Funès' portrayal of Victor Garnier.

Victor Garnier (Louis de Funès)

Victor Garnier is the heart and soul of the film. De Funès' masterful performance captures the essence of a man driven to desperation but retaining a core of innocence and good intentions. His signature comedic style – characterized by rapid-fire delivery, manic energy, and a seemingly endless repertoire of facial expressions – is on full display. Victor's transformation from a mild-mannered shopkeeper to a bumbling bank robber is both hilarious and somewhat sympathetic. He embodies the Everyman figure, struggling against the pressures of modern life and resorting to extreme measures when pushed to the brink.

The Supporting Cast

The supporting cast complements De Funès' performance perfectly. Yvonne Clech as Élise provides a grounded counterpoint to Victor's manic energy. She represents the voice of reason, often expressing skepticism and disapproval but ultimately standing by her husband. The children, each with their own distinct personalities and quirks, add to the family's dynamic and contribute to the overall sense of chaos. Gérard's intellectual pretensions, Corinne's rebellious streak, and Philippe's disastrous magic tricks all contribute to the film's comedic tapestry.

Themes

Get Off My Back explores several recurring themes commonly found in comedies, particularly those starring Louis de Funès.

• The Plight of the Little Guy: The film portrays the struggles of ordinary people against the perceived injustices of the financial system. Victor's desperation stems from his inability to cope with mounting debts and the pressure to provide for his family. This resonates with audiences who have experienced similar financial anxieties.
• Family Dynamics: The film highlights the complexities of family relationships. Despite their constant bickering and disagreements, the Garniers ultimately stick together and support each other, even in the face of adversity. Their shared experience of robbing a bank, however misguided, strengthens their bond.
• The Absurdity of Modern Life: Get Off My Back satirizes the often-irrational and chaotic nature of modern life. The film's humor stems from the exaggerated situations and the characters' reactions to them. The Garniers' ill-fated robbery is a reflection of the absurdity of their circumstances.
• Social Commentary: While primarily a comedy, the film subtly critiques the perceived corruption and indifference of the banking system. Victor's investment scam highlights the vulnerability of ordinary people to unscrupulous financial practices.

Humor and Style

The film's humor is largely based on physical comedy, slapstick, and witty dialogue. Louis de Funès' performance is a masterclass in comedic timing and physical expression. His ability to convey a wide range of emotions through his facial expressions and gestures is unparalleled. The film also employs a variety of comedic tropes, such as mistaken identities, elaborate disguises, and escalating mishaps. The pacing is fast-paced and energetic, keeping the audience engaged throughout. The dialogue is sharp and witty, often relying on puns and wordplay.

Critical Reception

Get Off My Back received mixed reviews upon its release. While critics generally praised Louis de Funès' performance, some found the plot to be somewhat predictable and the humor to be overly reliant on slapstick. However, the film was a commercial success in France, further solidifying De Funès' status as a major box office draw. Over the years, Get Off My Back has gained a cult following, particularly among fans of French comedy and Louis de Funès. Its enduring appeal lies in its lighthearted humor, relatable characters, and De Funès' iconic performance.

Louis de Funès and French Cinema

Louis de Funès (1914-1983) was one of the most popular and influential comedic actors in French cinema history. His career spanned over four decades, and he starred in numerous commercially successful films, including the Gendarme series, the Fantômas trilogy, and Le Grand Restaurant. De Funès' comedic style was characterized by his manic energy, exaggerated expressions, and impeccable timing. He often played characters who were short-tempered, authoritarian, and prone to fits of rage. Despite their flaws, these characters were often portrayed as fundamentally good-hearted, making them relatable and endearing to audiences.

De Funès' success was not limited to France. His films were popular throughout Europe and beyond, earning him international recognition. He is considered a comedic icon, and his films continue to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages. Get Off My Back is a prime example of De Funès' comedic genius and showcases his ability to transform an ordinary story into a hilarious and unforgettable experience.

Jean Girault: The Director

Jean Girault (1924-1982) was a French film director and screenwriter, best known for his comedies, particularly those starring Louis de Funès. He directed several successful films with De Funès, including the Gendarme series, which became a cultural phenomenon in France. Girault's directorial style was characterized by its fast pace, energetic camerawork, and emphasis on physical comedy. He had a knack for creating chaotic and humorous situations that allowed De Funès' comedic talents to shine. While his films were not always critically acclaimed, they were consistently popular with audiences, making Girault one of the most commercially successful directors in French cinema during his time.

Legacy and Enduring Appeal

Get Off My Back remains a beloved comedy among fans of Louis de Funès and French cinema. Its enduring appeal lies in its timeless humor, relatable characters, and De Funès' unforgettable performance. The film's themes of financial struggle and family dynamics continue to resonate with audiences today. While perhaps not as groundbreaking or artistically ambitious as some other films, Get Off My Back offers a simple and effective form of entertainment that has stood the test of time. It is a testament to the power of physical comedy and the enduring legacy of Louis de Funès.

Comparison with Other De Funès Films

To better understand the significance of Get Off My Back within Louis de Funès' filmography, it is helpful to compare it to some of his other notable works.

While each of these films shares certain comedic elements with Get Off My Back, they also possess their own unique characteristics. Get Off My Back stands out for its focus on the economic anxieties of an ordinary family and its relatively grounded (albeit exaggerated) portrayal of their desperate attempt to rob a bank. It showcases a different side of De Funès' comedic talent, highlighting his ability to portray both the exasperation and the underlying vulnerability of a man pushed to his limits.

Conclusion

Get Off My Back (Faites sauter la banque!) may not be the most famous or critically acclaimed film in Louis de Funès' extensive filmography, but it remains a significant and enjoyable entry. Its blend of slapstick, witty dialogue, and relatable characters, combined with De Funès' unparalleled comedic performance, makes it a worthwhile watch for fans of French comedy. The film's exploration of themes such as financial struggle, family dynamics, and the absurdity of modern life continues to resonate with audiences, solidifying its place as a classic of French cinema. It's a testament to the enduring power of humor and the comedic genius of Louis de Funès.