Exactly half a century after its release, the French comedy ‘Un éléphant ça trompe énormément‘, directed by Yves Robert (who also co-wrote the screenplay), was the perfect entertainment for a hot summer day. How can we explain the agelessness of this film? First of all, because it is a French film. Take the title, for example, which includes a pun that is untranslatable from French to other languages. The distributors of the English version changed it, but still chose a French title: ‘Pardon Mon Affaire!‘. The script is not entirely original. The idea for the film comes from the famous scene of Marylin in a white dress from Billy Wilder’s ‘The Seven Year Itch’. The object of male adoration in Yves Robert‘s film wears a red dress. The idea will also be taken up by Gene Wilder in his 1984 American remake – ‘The Woman in Red’. The main character, a man faithful to his wife until that moment, who falls madly in love, in just a few seconds, with the fascinating woman, is one of the aces of the quartet of friends, some married, some separated, some bachelors, but solidary with each other to the end of the days in the tradition of the Four Musketeers. Yes, we have seen these elements in many other films, especially in romantic comedies with American slapstick overtones, but here we add the unique French charm and the incomparable lights of Paris. In addition, each of the characters in this film has his own story, his distinct identity and benefits from a precise and charming acting interpretation.
Étienne Dorsay, the hero of the film, is one of those men who has a perfect life, but does not know it, and who, having reached the age of 40+, does not miss the opportunity to get involved in an affair with a completely unknown woman. He is encouraged by a group of close friends, each of whom is engaged in different adventures or teenage-like practical jokes, all between macho doubles tennis matches. Falling in love at this age can only be a good excuse for personal disasters and comedic situations for those who observe them, especially if you are an official in an important ministry and if you have a wife as beautiful as the idol of your fantasies. The script combines situational comedy, physical gags and sparkling dialogues that those who watch the original version can especially appreciate.
Jean Rochefort is a conqueror as an actor, and those who will watch or re-watch the film will find out if he is also a conqueror as a man. Each of his friends is an interesting character, but the most memorable of all is the one of Claude Brasseur, with his adventures of a gay man who had not yet come out of his shell. Anny Duperey is the object of the hero’s adoration, but viewers may fall more in love with his wife played by Danièle Delorme. As in many other comedies and action films of those decades, the music is composed by Vladimir Cosma contributing greatly to the pace and atmosphere. ‘Un éléphant ça trompe énormément’ is an entertaining movie that defies time.