Le
monocle rit jaune
Director:
Georges Lautner
Year
1964
Le
monocle rit jaune, AKA The Monocle, is a beautifully filmed and
exceptionally silly Eurospy production, which makes outstanding use
of its picturesque locations and stark photography. Delving deep into
farcical territory and relishing every minute of it, this unusual
espionage outing doesn't shy away from the more outlandish elements
of the genre, yet embraces it with open arms. Centralized over its
eccentric main character and the wacky antics that he gets himself
into, The Monocle is without a doubt an exceedingly unique spy entry,
one that allows the fun to take over the proceedings and never let
go.
It
appears that a gang of Asian terrorists have mounted a destructive
campaign against world factions who are conducting nuclear research
and it is up to French agent Major Theobald Dromard, AKA The Monocle,
to bring the bad guys to justice. Flying into Hong Kong, it is up to
Dromard, his trusty side kick Poussin, and a handful of unlikely
allies, to stop the terrorists and keep safe an American nuclear
aircraft carrier that just so happens to be coming into port. With
time quickly running out and no trails to follow, can Dromard track
down the culprits amidst this clashing of cultures?
Paul
Meurisse takes on the role of Theobald Dromard, the unorthodox secret
agent who always seems to come out on top. This is the third time
that Meurisse has donned the role and I must say that it seems at
this point that he really owns the character. I've unfortunately
never had the chance to see his previous efforts with the role, but
from what I've witnessed in The Monocle, I've made it a priority to
hunt down the other two films. His interpretation of a secret agent
is as loopy as they come, and it is in this parody infused approach
that makes his performance so enjoyable. His actions, smart quips,
and running commentary are wildly off the wall and most often
entirely off the subject. He even has his own unique way of firing
his gun, which proves hilariously to be one hundred percent effective
in even the most improbable situations. Meurisse's contributions to
the film and the character are among the productions most valuable
and effective assets, and it is one that is never left untapped.
Aside
from Dromard, the film is also brimming with other interesting and
unusual characters. Robert Dalban plays the trusty assistant Poussin,
who's hardened looks and drab personality make for a contrasting
presence against Dromard's more light heartened nature. Olivier
Despax also contributes to the film as Frederic, the young associate
who's itching for a piece of the action. As for the feminine touch of
the film, the bragging rights go to the legendary horror queen
Barbara Steele who portrays the lovely and mysterious Valerie. To my
knowledge this is the only spy feature that Steele has been involved
in, and I must say it was a nice and unexpected surprise, for the
genre suits her. Rounding out the rest of the cast is an assortment
of wacky characters that come and go like the wind, but always leave
a lasting impression on the overall outlandish nature of the film.
The
locations of Hong Kong and Macao are expertly lensed by director
Georges Lautner, who also happened to film the first two Monocle
entries starring Paul Meurisse. His eye for beautiful imagery is put
to the test, as we are given some breathtaking views of this exotic
and magical land. Each and every frame is composed with unbridled
care, giving a stark contrast against the carefree nature of the film
and its characters. The stand out locations of the movie have got to
be the harbor scenes, the bustling streets of Hong Kong, and the
rundown chapel on top of a hill where Dromard has a most exciting
shoot out. In all of these instances the black and white photography
shines, making for a fun film that is easy on the eyes and
picturesquely perfect.
As for
the wacky antics of the film, the moments are aplenty. Dromard's
shooting skills for starters are a trip, as he takes on multiple bad
guys with ease, even going as far as to taking out two henchmen with
one bullet. The guy is a wonder! There is also a completely
unforgettable sequence that shows Dromard and friends being attacked
by a group of Hong Kong gangsters and a restaurant, who proceed to
pull off a dance number in slow motion like they just jumped straight
out of West Side Story. It's unbelievably random and completely out
of place, but the strangeness of the moment is just so remarkably
hypnotizing that it simply feels right. There are a number of
instances in the film that capture this kind of magically obscure
wonder, and for that alone I highly recommend it. It is a film that
is hard to categorize, because it straddles such an odd line between
action/espionage and comedy, but it is an unusual concoction that is
so unbelievably watchable.
Le
monocle rit jaune is a sensationally fun flick that essentially
predates the typical Eurospy movie, yet seems to be the stepping
stone for what the genre would eventually become in its later years. Entertaining,
lighthearted, and full of surprising action, The Monocle is without a
doubt a wacky sort of film, one that wears its heart on its sleeve
and never apologizes for it. From its beautiful photography and its
classic black and white imagery, it's not easy to dismiss the
production's visionary prowess.
Paul
Meurisse gives an outstanding performance as the comical secret agent
Theobald Dromard and his eccentric mannerisms and essential screen
presence is a valued asset to the movie's lasting appeal. The same
can be said for Robert Dalban, Barbara Steele, and the rest of the
cast, as they all bring in outstandingly succinct performances that
cater to their various strengths. Essentially it is the film's
incessant nature to go against the grain and never tread familiar
ground that really makes it such an enjoyable ride. There is always
something that happens in the story that spins you for a loop, making
you question what will happen next. It is the spontaneous personality
of the movie that really makes it a special gem, and it is an aspect
of the production that is wholly embraced by its film crew. Unique
and unbridled to the last, The Monocle is a film that engages the
viewer in multiple ways, yet it always is focused on putting on one
hell of an entertaining show. Le monocle rit jaune is.....
 |
| Will you guys stop talking! Some people are trying to watch the movie! |
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| Looks like someone is ready to get their Barbara Steele autograph. |
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| How about no smoking in my car A-hole. |
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| No one was impressed with his ceramic pottery making skills. |
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| It's raining men! Hallelujah it's raining men! |
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| Weeeeeeee!!!!! |
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| That's right! You woo the shit out of her Dromard! |
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| You chumps got a staring problem? |
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| Paul Meurisse looks like he just stepped off the set of a biblical epic. |
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| How dare you read such smut in front of Barbara Steele! |
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| The name's Dromard.... Theobald Dromard. |
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| And so the dance battle begins.... I shit you not! |
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| I think I forgot to turn off the oven. |
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| She totally pulls off the Jambi look. |
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| Reservoir Dogs eat your heart out! |
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| This show is hilarious! See! This guy likes it! |
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| Don't mess with Mr. Peanut and his posse. |
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| I'm turning Chinese, I think I'm turning Chinese... I really think so! |
