Alright, pop that tape in, maybe give the tracking a little nudge. Tonight on VHS Heaven, we’re diving into a French gem from 1984 that might have caught your eye in the dusty 'Foreign Films' section of the rental store: Gérard Jugnot’s Pinot simple flic (roughly, Pinot, Ordinary Cop). It wasn't an explosive action flick, but trust me, this movie had its own kind of raw energy, the kind that sticks with you long after the VCR clicks off.
More Than Just Laughs
You probably knew Gérard Jugnot from the legendary comedy troupe Le Splendid and their iconic Les Bronzés films (or maybe Santa Claus is a Stinker). So, seeing him not just starring but also directing this police story might have felt like settling in for pure farce. And sure, there are laughs – Jugnot plays Robert Pinot, a somewhat clumsy, down-on-his-luck neighborhood cop in Paris, dealing with petty squabbles and the general absurdity of street-level policing. But Pinot simple flic quickly reveals a surprising depth. It’s got that distinctly 80s French blend: observational humour wrapped around a core of social realism and genuine heart.
The plot kicks into gear when Pinot encounters Josyane, a tough-talking teenage runaway played brilliantly by Fanny Bastien. Instead of just processing her through the system, the lonely Pinot finds himself bending the rules, taking her under his wing, much to the exasperation of his colleagues. What follows isn't a high-octane chase, but a compelling, often funny, sometimes poignant story of two lost souls finding an unlikely connection amidst the grimy, unglamorous streets of 1980s Paris.
Grounded Grit, Genuine Heart
What always struck me about Pinot was its authenticity. This wasn’t the postcard Paris; Gérard Jugnot, pulling double duty as director and star (a huge undertaking for his first major directorial effort outside of Splendid sketches), captures a specific neighbourhood vibe. You feel the chill in the air, see the graffiti, hear the everyday bustle. This commitment to location shooting gives the film a grounded quality that makes the comedy land better and the dramatic moments hit harder. Remember how real those Paris streets felt, even on a slightly fuzzy CRT? It wasn't trying to be slick; it was trying to be real.
Jugnot himself is fantastic. He dials back the broader comedy he was known for, giving Pinot a believable weariness mixed with inherent decency. He’s not a superhero cop; he’s just a guy trying to do some good in a system that often feels indifferent. It’s a performance full of subtle touches and relatable frustrations.
But the real revelation here is Fanny Bastien as Josyane. Just 17 at the time, she absolutely nails the character's blend of street-smart attitude and underlying vulnerability. It’s a performance bursting with raw energy, capturing the defiance and confusion of youth adrift. It's no surprise she deservedly snagged the César Award (the French Oscar) for Most Promising Actress for this role. Her chemistry with Jugnot is the film's undeniable anchor. Fun fact: finding the right actress for Josyane was apparently a long search, but Bastien’s naturalism won Jugnot over immediately.
That 80s French Feeling
Watching Pinot simple flic today is like opening a time capsule. The fashion, the cars, the technology (or lack thereof) – it’s all wonderfully dated in the best way. But more than that, it captures a specific tone common in French popular cinema of the era: a willingness to mix genres, to find humour in bleak situations, and to focus on character over spectacle. There’s a straightforwardness to the filmmaking, a lack of gloss that feels refreshing compared to today’s hyper-polished productions. The score, often melancholic with occasional upbeat cues, perfectly complements this mood.
The film wasn't a massive global hit, but it performed respectably in France, further cementing Gérard Jugnot's status as a beloved figure who could handle more than just outright comedy. It tackled themes of delinquency, the struggles of law enforcement, and urban loneliness with a touch that was accessible and entertaining, never preachy.
The Final Rewind
Pinot simple flic isn’t about pyrotechnics or impossible stunts. Its action lies in the sharp dialogue, the emotional tug-of-war between Pinot and Josyane, and the authentic portrayal of everyday life. It’s a character study disguised as a cop comedy, delivered with that specific brand of French charm and grit that made discovering foreign films on VHS such a rewarding experience.
Rating: 7.5/10
This rating reflects a film that excels in character work and authentic atmosphere, driven by strong central performances. It’s funny, touching, and offers a valuable slice-of-life glimpse into 80s Paris. It might lack the high-octane thrills some crave, but its emotional resonance and grounded realism earn it a solid spot on the shelf.
Final Thought: Forget the explosions; sometimes the most compelling action is just a simple cop trying to do the right thing, captured with the unvarnished honesty that felt so right on VHS. Definitely worth tracking down if you appreciate character-driven gems from the era.