Louis de Funès, the renowned comedian, has been the epitome of larger-than-life characters for generations of viewers around the world. Interspersed with excerpts from his films,
Lucie Cariès' documentary retraces the journey of a meticulous professional who, as a young jazz pianist, reinvented his career to become an actor. The film highlights his evolution: from taking minor roles to making his breakthrough in the 1960s with box-office hits, such as
El gendarme de Saint-Tropez (1964),
Fantomas (1964), and
El hombre del Cadillac (1965). Furthermore, the film delves into the depths of his personality and reveals the man behind the entertainer. Personal family archives, interviews, and quotes from his journals showcase Louis' multifaceted talent, the family-oriented nature of a romantic, the actor's anxiety-ridden personality, and his environmentally conscious outlook. After all, Louis de Funès was an artist who refused to settle for mediocrity, strived to evolve as a performer, and consistently endeavoured to push himself to the limits of his potential. This documentary is an exhaustive account of one of the most celebrated actors of 20th-century French cinema.
—Nick Riganas 