This was neither the first nor the last film to ever explore the idea of a person out of time and the follies that ensue, but it might well be the silliest. Jean Bernard-Luc and Jacques Vilfrid go to great lengths in their screenplay to shape the most ridiculous farce that they could, from the introduction of high-strung businessman Hubert and those around him, to the thawing of the ice man and efforts to claim him, and amazingly becoming more outrageous still in the second half as preposterous accommodations go awry. The characters, dialogue, scene writing, and narrative at large are all specifically bent toward feverish energy and blustery nonsense, and from top to bottom we're treated to substantial detail to flesh out these elements. I'm personally of the mind that 'Hibernatus' doesn't make a big impression at first, possibly even feeling a tad forced, but it's well done all the while - and the second half is so strong that it unquestionably makes up for earlier relative weakness, and then some. Ultimately this is a classic that's very much worth the wait for it to build strength, equally smart and funny and well worth seeking out.
Filmmaker Édouard Molinaro follows Bernard-Luc and Vilfrid's guiding ethos to the letter with direction that maintains the unfettered zip throughout all of these eighty-two minutes. Every scene buzzes with thrumming electricity, and I can only imagine that every shooting day was fun at least as much as it was work. Of course, Molinaro's task is made much easier by a terrific ensemble, as every actor fully leans into the zestful tenor of the project. Louis de Funès has the most star power, and proves why with a performance that especially makes use of his animated personality and comportment, but his co-stars handily keep up. At one point or another Claude Gensac, Bernard Alane, Michel Lonsdale, Pascal Mazzotti, Martine Kelly, Paul Préboist, and everyone else all have a moment to shine, and the high spirits they bring to the picture are a major component of its success.
It also can't be overstated how fantastic this looks in every other capacity. These are some gorgeous sets that were constructed for this, most of them in the latter half, and I'd love to pour over every inch of the de Tartas home. Likewise, the costume design is plainly outstanding; between these two facets alone it sure seems like the producers "spared no expense," as the saying goes. The hair and makeup is no less excellent, any stunts and effects that are employed come off swell, and Monique Isnardon's snappy editing lends in its own way to the vitality of the proceedings. The themes of composer extraordinaire Georges Delerue mostly stick to the background, but mirror the light, playful mood at all times, and Raymond Pierre Lemoigne's cinematography is splendidly sharp. Granted, all these aspects pale in comparison to the writing, and in turn the direction and acting, but suffice to say that everything comes together wonderfully well to make 'Hibernatus' the superbly entertaining delight that it is. I don't know if I'd go so far as to say it's a total must-see, but if you do have the opportunity to watch, there's definitely no going wrong with this. Appropriate for all ages and recommended for all comers, this is a joyful romp that's well worth checking out!
Filmmaker Édouard Molinaro follows Bernard-Luc and Vilfrid's guiding ethos to the letter with direction that maintains the unfettered zip throughout all of these eighty-two minutes. Every scene buzzes with thrumming electricity, and I can only imagine that every shooting day was fun at least as much as it was work. Of course, Molinaro's task is made much easier by a terrific ensemble, as every actor fully leans into the zestful tenor of the project. Louis de Funès has the most star power, and proves why with a performance that especially makes use of his animated personality and comportment, but his co-stars handily keep up. At one point or another Claude Gensac, Bernard Alane, Michel Lonsdale, Pascal Mazzotti, Martine Kelly, Paul Préboist, and everyone else all have a moment to shine, and the high spirits they bring to the picture are a major component of its success.
It also can't be overstated how fantastic this looks in every other capacity. These are some gorgeous sets that were constructed for this, most of them in the latter half, and I'd love to pour over every inch of the de Tartas home. Likewise, the costume design is plainly outstanding; between these two facets alone it sure seems like the producers "spared no expense," as the saying goes. The hair and makeup is no less excellent, any stunts and effects that are employed come off swell, and Monique Isnardon's snappy editing lends in its own way to the vitality of the proceedings. The themes of composer extraordinaire Georges Delerue mostly stick to the background, but mirror the light, playful mood at all times, and Raymond Pierre Lemoigne's cinematography is splendidly sharp. Granted, all these aspects pale in comparison to the writing, and in turn the direction and acting, but suffice to say that everything comes together wonderfully well to make 'Hibernatus' the superbly entertaining delight that it is. I don't know if I'd go so far as to say it's a total must-see, but if you do have the opportunity to watch, there's definitely no going wrong with this. Appropriate for all ages and recommended for all comers, this is a joyful romp that's well worth checking out!