Okay, pull up a comfy chair, maybe grab a Jolt Cola if you can find one – we're digging into a slightly more obscure corner of the rental store shelf today, the kind of find that made browsing those aisles so rewarding. Forget the blockbuster explosion fests for a moment; let's talk about a French comedy from 1982 that perfectly captures a certain early-80s vibe of economic gloom mixed with Gallic absurdity: Pour 100 briques t'as plus rien... (often loosely known in English circles, if at all, as For 200 Grand, You Get Nothing Now). The title alone, referencing the devalued French Franc of the time, tells you you're in for something specific to its era.
When Life Gives You Lemons, Rob a Bank?
The setup is classic, almost timeless in its desperation. Meet Sam (Henri Guybet) and Paul (Gérard Jugnot), two buddies who find themselves abruptly unemployed. Facing bleak prospects and mounting bills, they hatch a plan that’s both hare-brained and, in the context of the film's world, almost logical: rob a bank. This isn't slick Ocean's Eleven stuff; it's pure panic-fueled amateur hour. Henri Guybet, a familiar face in French comedies often playing the slightly exasperated everyman, is perfectly cast as the more anxious half of the duo. And then there’s Gérard Jugnot, already a star in France thanks to his brilliant work with the legendary comedy troupe Le Splendid (the geniuses behind Les Bronzés (1978) and Le Père Noël est une ordure (1982)). Seeing Jugnot here, lean and radiating nervous energy, is a treat; he brings that signature blend of pathos and physical comedy that made him famous.
The Charm of Controlled Chaos
Directed by Jacques Besnard, a veteran helmer known for orchestrating comedic mayhem often with big stars like Louis de Funès (Le Grand Restaurant, 1966), the film doesn't aim for high-octane thrills. Instead, it mines humor from the sheer incompetence and escalating panic of its protagonists. The "action," such as it is, resides in the frantic exchanges, the near-misses, and the increasingly tangled situation inside the bank. Remember how French comedies of this era often felt grounded, even when absurd? There are no massive explosions or physics-defying stunts here. The tension is purely situational, built on character interactions and the relatable fear of getting caught.
It’s fascinating how films like this reflected the anxieties of the time. France in the early 80s was grappling with economic uncertainty, and the film taps into that collective unease, albeit with a comedic lens. The very idea that robbing a bank seems like a viable option speaks volumes, doesn't it? It’s this undercurrent of social commentary, wrapped in farce, that gives the film a bit more weight than your average slapstick caper.
A Glimpse of Future Stardom
And then there's the hostages. The situation inside the bank becomes a microcosm of society, with various personalities clashing under duress. But the real standout, even in a supporting role, is a young Daniel Auteuil as 'Boum-Boum', one of the bank employees caught up in the mess. Auteuil was just on the cusp of international stardom – his powerhouse performances in Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources were still a few years away (1986). Here, you can already see the charisma and intensity that would make him a giant of French cinema. It’s one of those cool retro moments, like spotting a future A-lister in an early, unexpected role. Reportedly, Auteuil was eager to break away from purely comedic parts around this time, and while this film is a comedy, his role allows for more grounded, reactive moments.
That Distinctive 80s European Feel
Watching Pour 100 briques... today is like stepping into a time capsule. The fashions, the cars, the slightly grainy look of the film stock – it all screams early 80s Europe. The pacing might feel a bit leisurely compared to modern comedies, taking its time to build the situation and characters. It relies on witty dialogue (if you understand French or find good subtitles!) and the performers' comedic timing rather than rapid-fire cuts. The film was apparently quite successful in France upon release, hitting a nerve with its relatable premise and strong cast, even if it never made much of a splash internationally. It’s the kind of movie that likely found its audience on late-night TV broadcasts and, yes, those treasured VHS tapes passed between fans of European cinema.
Verdict & Rating
Pour 100 briques t'as plus rien... isn't a laugh-a-minute riot, nor is it an action spectacle. It's a charming, character-driven French comedy caper firmly rooted in its time and place. The appeal lies in the excellent performances from its trio of leads – Guybet, Jugnot, and the burgeoning Auteuil – and its witty, slightly melancholic take on desperation. It captures that specific French blend of farce and social observation that rarely gets replicated elsewhere. Some elements feel dated, naturally, and the pacing might test those used to faster fare, but the core situation and the actors' skills hold up.
Rating: 6.5/10
Justified by: The strong lead performances, particularly Jugnot and the early glimpse of Auteuil's talent, carry the film. The premise is engagingly absurd yet grounded in relatable anxieties, and Jacques Besnard's direction keeps the comedic chaos coherent. It loses points for pacing that can feel slow by modern standards and humor that is sometimes very culturally specific, limiting its broader appeal compared to some other French comedies of the era. However, its charm and snapshot of early 80s France make it a worthwhile watch for enthusiasts.
Final Thought: It’s a reminder that sometimes the most memorable cinematic heists aren't about the loot, but the lovable losers trying desperately not to mess everything up – a very human kind of action captured perfectly on grainy, analogue tape.