GFF 2010: Opening with a Bang (and a crash and a wallop)

Human cannonballs, an extortionist and a man with a bullet lodged in his brain, these are the charming and idiosyncratic characters that inhabit the world of Micmacs – the latest film from French director Jean-Pierre Jeunet. The GFT will tonight take on a Gallic air as the festival welcomes the cult director for this year’s opening gala screening. Known for directing the internationally loved flick Amelie as well as Delicatessen, The City of Lost Children and A Very Long Engagement his latest film sees the filmmaker embrace the playful style he is famed for.

Comedian Dany Boon (not so well known in the UK but one of the highest paid actors in Europe) plays Bazil, a young man who becomes embroiled in a drive-by shooting and gets a stray bullet lodged in his brain. Convinced the arms manufacturers behind the weapon have a conspiracy against him, Bazil embarks on a mission for revenge. He doesn’t go it alone though and at every turn his newly adopted family (a group of misfits who live together on a scrap heap recycling rubbish) are there to help. Mischievous antics and tomfoolery ensure as the eccentric group’s plans begin to take shape. Look forward to 90 minutes of frivolous fun to kick of the start of the festival.