Fresno Filmworks

“A whimsical whirligig of a movie filled with salvaged metal and salvaged lives, where a bullet to the brain brings insight and a bunch of clever misfits bring a couple of weapons-making giants to their knees. What fun.” – Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times

“Director and co-writer Jean-Pierre Jeunet is back doing what he likes best, which is moving eccentric characters around a board in a miniature game of fate and chance.” – Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly

“It’s a nice palate cleanser among all the computer-generated action of Hollywood’s summer blockbusters.” – David Germain, San Francisco Chronicle

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Synopsis

With the imagination and fantasy of a Buster Keaton picture, this French comedy tells the story of Bazil, a bad-luck orphan with a stray bullet lodged in his brain. Released from the hospital after an accident, the gentle-natured Bazil is homeless. He is taken in by a motley crew of junkyard dealers living in a cave. The group’s talents and aspirations are as surprising as their diverse names: Remington, Calculator, Buster, Slammer, Elastic Girl, Tiny Pete, and Mama Chow. One day, walking past two huge buildings, Bazil recognizes the logos of the weapons manufacturers that caused his misfortunes. With the help of his faithful gang of wacky friends, he sets out to take revenge.

Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, whose previous work includes Amélie and The City of Lost Children. In French, with English subtitles. Visit the official site. Screening sponsor: L’Alliance Française de Fresno.