Secret agent Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath returns in OSS 117 - Lost in Rio, the follow-up to 2006's OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies. One might think you have seen this kind of spy spoof before, notably in the Austin Powers series, but this is where OSS 117 distinguishes itself. It is not a spoof or parody of the genre, but an irreverent homage to the era itself. The production design and execution is intentionally aiming for a look that make these films appear as long lost classics rather than new films, while French comedian Jean Dujardin portrays a "man" of the era with a self-confident manner that sheds a glaring light on every negative stereotype of machismo common in the 1960s. Dujardin's La Bath is actually quite a capable spy, but his oblivious demeanor to changing social attitudes with respect to race, gender, etc. is the source of the humor; the film may be exaggerating (but not by much), but is never tongue-in-cheek. Overall, it is a clever, breezy look back on a bygone era in a manner similar to how one may look at your high school yearbook—there are fond memories, but mixed with the mocking laughter at how ridiculous your former self appears to you now.
Also, make sure to check out the swinging official homepage for some groovy tunes and goodies.
No comments:
Post a Comment