OSS 117: Cairo, Nest Of Spies (2006)

An OSS (Office of Strategic Services) agent (Jean Dujardin) is sent to Cairo to investigate the disappearance of a fellow agent (Philippe Lefebvre). Once there, he stumbles across an arms deal that involves the Soviets and Arab revolutionaries. This spy spoof is an utter delight. It recalls Blake Edwards at his best with films like THE PINK PANTHER and THE PARTY and I couldn't help but think what a marvelous Clouseau Dujardin would make. An irreverent but affectionate spoof of the international spy genre, the film is set in the 1950s and Maamar Ech Cheikh's production design and Fabrice Leuci's art direction perfectly replicate the look of 50s cinema aided immeasurably by Guillaume Schiffman's camera work. Don't try to waste too much time trying to understand the wacky plot, just enjoy the gags. Directed by Oscar winner Michael Hazanavicius of THE ARTIST, that film's leading lady Berenice Bejo provides the principal romantic interest. The wonderful pastiche score is by Ludovic Bource, also an Oscar winner for his ARTIST score. With Aure Atika and Laurent Bateau.