Imogène McCarthery

Highlights from the French Film Festival

Film Review by Chris Buckle | 06 Jan 2011
Film title: Imogène McCarthery
Director: Alexandre Charlot, Franck Magnier
Starring: Catherine Frot, Lambert Wilson, Michel Aumont
Release date: TBA
Certificate: U

Haggis for tea, a wee dram at every opportunity and tartan togs across the board: welcome to 60s Scotland, home of unlikely spy Imogène McCarthery (a game turn from a sprightly Catherine Frot). Charged with delivering top secret plans to the Highlands, patriotic Imogène battles dastardly Reds and deceptive double-agents with a mix of pluck and good fortune. There’s amusement to be had viewing Scotland through the eyes of our continental neighbours (alcoholism and xenophobia remain our shorthand stereotypes it seems), though generally the humour is far from mean-spirited; instead, it seems oddly nostalgic for a fantasy ‘foreign’ past.

Unfortunately, the Egypt and Brazil-set OSS 117 series do a similar thing with greater conviction and more consistent laughs, and by comparison Imogène’s sleuthing feels pedestrian. No matter where the OSS 117 films’ hapless spy (Jean Dujardin) visits next, his adventures will likely be worth following; take Scotland away from Imogène and you’re left with the lightest of farces, attracting only the mildest of interest. [Chris Buckle]