I had hoped that the two great actors could somewhat shine in whichever flawed movie. Hell no, you can have the best casting and still make a terrible movie.

I cannot understand how the seasoned producer did this movie. I guess she was in love with the original book, bought the rights, hired Francis Veber to adapt it for a hefty sum and then couldn't let go. Maybe words on paper had a subtle black irony turn that would never make its way into moving pictures.

It starts very bad with this ugly shot of a depressed Marielle alone in his grim flat, with his voice-over narration that only deepens the abysmally boring scene. Then it is only about passive characters bumping more or less directly into each other. Try as I might I could barely watch this for over an hour. I surmise the last 20 minutes secure some kind of happy ending: the build-up was so exhausting that I definitely don't want any of it.