This droll French comedy caper is from Abel & Gordon, the writing/directing/acting duo behind one of my favorite films from a few years back, Lost In Paris. It begins with a man entering a divey bar where Boris (Dominique Abel) is bartending. The man yells, “I know who you are,” (en français) then raises a gun and shoots. But instead of killing Boris, the blast takes off the man’s prosthetic arm. Realizing that the jig is up, Boris and his partner Kayoko (Kaori Ito) quickly pack their bags and head out to parts unknown. But just as they are about drive away, they spot Dom (also Dominique Abel), a dead ringer for Boris. And a plan is hatched!
After talking with Dom and determining that he is single and lives alone, they move forward with their plan to switch places, only there is a rub. Dom has an ex-wife who is looking for him. Fiona (Fiona Gordon) is a not too successful private detective. Her latest case is the search for a lost dog. But when Dom goes missing from his house, she is determined to find him. Meanwhile Kayoko is training Dom to be the bartender, telling him that they call all bartenders Boris.
What follows is a fabulous slapstick ride fill with near misses and fabulous dance scenes and even a sad romance thrown in. Abel and Gordon are masterful filmmakers and hilarious actors. And Kaori Ito adds another layer of crazy to the whole absurd story. The other layer that this duo adds to their films is their own quirky style and a lot of physical comedy. If you’re a fan of Amelie, or Wes Anderson movies, or Buster Keaton films, this one is definitely for you.
In select theaters August 30th
(In French with subtitles)