OSS-117: Cairo, Nest of Spies

‘OSS-117’ is the code name for Hubert Bonisseur de la Bath, a French James Bond-alike with more luck than intellect and a nice line in sharp suits. Sent to 1950s Cairo – a veritable hotbed of international espionage – to investigate the death of a colleague, he takes on religious sects, a displaced royal family, a clutch of Nazis and a bevy of beautiful babes, all with a cocktail in hand.

Based on a trashy series of mildly erotic adventure stories, the first of which actually appeared four years before the name ‘James Bond’ ever entered our consciousness, the film’s resounding success in the highbrow French press was something of a surprise. Resoundingly silly, there are some laughs to be had, not least an ongoing gag with a chicken farm, and an excellently nonchalant sauna torture scene. The humour flies a little close to the wind at points with jokes including the slightly gasp-inducing silencing of a muezzin for causing sleep disturbance. However, an adept performance from Jean Dujardin, with a flared nostril and a raised eyebrow at the ready, ensures that these always rest on the right side of acceptability. They pointedly play on OSS-117’s Western arrogance, rather than poking fun at the foreign cultures he encounters.

The plot, with its carefully signposted twists, is just about strong enough to be entertaining in itself and not solely as a platform for the extended joke. The film looks good too, with fabulously retro colours echoing the stylised and high camp performances, and adding authenticity to the period setting. However, the humour is too often lost in translation for English audiences, based as it is so firmly in French culture and stereotypes. Still, Nest of Spies is an enjoyable enough slice of Gallic comedy for a midwinter escape to the sunny ’50s.

Prudence Ivey

Anticipation:

A spoof about a Cold War era super spy. Sounds like we’ve seen it before.

Enjoyment:

Funny, if a little French farcical.

In Retrospect:

Leaves a satisfyingly cheery afterglow, without having been too taxing on the cheek muscles.