The Scapegoat (2013)
There is something strange - some would even say abnormal - about the Malaussène family. But if you take a closer look, no one could be happier than this cheerfully chaotic family, even though their mother is usually off on one romantic adventure or another. Life is never a bore for Benjamin Malaussène, professional scapegoat and the older brother responsible for this horde of kids. But when incidents happen wherever he goes, police and colleagues begin to eye him suspiciously. It soon becomes a matter of life and death to find out what is going on and who is so interested in ruining his life. Written by Pathe International
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Thanks for the memories!
Good concept, poorly executed.
The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful
Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.
The manner to adapt the novel of Daniel Pennac is far to be easy. it is one of the basic certitudes for the reader.but, surprising, Nicolas Barry does more than a decent job. explanation - the right cast more than the right script. and, not ignoring the admirable effort of Raphael Personnaz and the children, two names are pillars of this film. first - Emir Kusturica. second - Isabelle Huppert. because the film, remembering Charlot sketches, has the chance, for this names, to be for viewer, more than a chaotic/nice/charming comedy but a real interesting portrait of contemporary society.
After reading the 'professional' reviews of this film, I did not expect to find it very good. And in fact, the plot is really not of much interest, but the entire cast -- adults and children -- form a really pleasant ensemble and I would happily move in with this family. The cartoon-like treatment of a lot of the plot elements totally suits the story. Even though there are two deadly explosions in the movie, they are not dwelled upon, and the resulting police investigation is comical rather than sinister.I left the cinema in a good mood because 'Au bonheur des ogres' made the world seem like a happier place than it is. It was also very nice to see Isabelle Huppert in a surprise appearance.