The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec
(2010)
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The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec
(2010)
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| Watch Trailer 0Share... |
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Louise Bourgoin | ... | ||
| Mathieu Amalric | ... |
Dieuleveult
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| Gilles Lellouche | ... |
Inspecteur Albert Caponi
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| Jean-Paul Rouve | ... |
Justin de Saint-Hubert
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Jacky Nercessian | ... |
Marie-Joseph Espérandieu
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| Philippe Nahon | ... |
Le professeur Ménard
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| Nicolas Giraud | ... |
Andrej Zborowski
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Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre | ... |
Agathe Blanc-Sec
(as Laure de Clermont)
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Gérard Chaillou | ... |
Président Armand Fallières
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Serge Bagdassarian | ... |
Ferdinand Choupard
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Claire Pérot | ... |
Nini les Gambettes
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François Chattot | ... |
Raymond Pointrenaud
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Stanislas De la Tousche | ... |
Le chauffeur Pointrenaud
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| Youssef Hajdi | ... |
Aziz
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Mohamed Aroussi | ... |
Traître égyptien
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Desperate to cure her near catatonic sister, intrepid authoress Adèle Blanc-Sec braves ancient Egyptian tombs and modern Egyptian lowlife to locate a mummified doctor and get him back to Paris. Her hope is that oddball Professor Espérandieu will then use his unusual powers to bring the doctor back to life so he, in turn, can use his centuries-old skills on the unfortunate sister. In Paris however Espérandieu is already causing mayhem, having brought to life what was a safe museum egg but is now a very active pterodactyl. Paris 1911 may not be the healthiest place to be. Written by Jeremy Perkins {J-26}
The archaeological, action/adventure genre has become increasingly formulaic under Hollywood guidance since its rise to popularity. Conventions inspired by the Indiana Jones films have been adhered to for almost twenty years, with any exceptions failing to break into mainstream Hollywood cinema. However, similarly to his previous work of science-fiction innovation, THE FIFTH ELEMENT, Luc Besson has once again stamped his own authorship onto a popular Hollywood genre.
Unfortunately, whilst the film may be innovative in some respects, it closely upholds many tired stereotypes and immature comedy devices that feel beneath such an esteemed director. One particular scene in which the blundering, Jacques-Clouseau-style police inspector is defecated on really encapsulates the low level to which Besson stoops for comedy at various points in this film. Occasionally descending into unforgivable absurdity, THE EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES OF ADÈLE BLANC-SEC is most definitely a flawed work.
However, with the exception of the aforementioned scenes, this is certainly an enjoyable and very amusing film. Visually, the film is as impressive as any other Besson delivering a triumph of colour and light, framing his shots with beautiful precision and delicacy. Most impressively however is Louise Bourgoin's strength as Besson's Adèle, helping retain much of its intended offbeat charm. The film is essentially entrusted to her and, fortunately, she manages to balance the many aspects of her talented yet vulnerable heroine with particular skill.
Despite a variety of shortcomings, THE EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES OF ADÈLE BLANC-SEC is a pleasing and enjoyable film, and certainly rivals Besson's previous works. 4 out of 5
Cambridge Film Festival Daily