After witnessing a crime, a con man goes on the run and hides as an orthodox Jew, bringing his problems to an unsuspecting community.
Based on a story by Sergio Esquenazi, written by Esquenazi and Axel Kuschevatzky, and directed by Federico Cueva, You Only Live Once is one of those completely insane action comedy films that should not work but does. The film is filled with a series of crazy ideas and turns into a partial comedy of error while also being a good thriller-ish comedy. The story takes odd turn after odd turn until the very last frame to say the least. Oddly enough, the entire insanity works, which shows good writing and talented directing. Of course, a few jokes or attempts at jokes do fall flat and a few are offensive, but the film has so much going on that it’s easy to be entertained by it.
The cast here is interesting as most actors are Spanish speaking for the exception of the main villain played by Gerard Depardieu. That choice seems odd at the start but his talent and screen presence make it work completely. Depardieu is one of those actors with high talent and knowledge of his craft who can play anything and make it believable. As the lead Leo, the con man, Peter Lanzani is funny and has a good screen presence that allow him to be the center of attention of most of his scenes. He’s got a good delivery even in insanely ridiculous situation. The rest of the cast is also interesting to watch with of course a touch of over acting here and there that is not actually annoying. Each of the main parts is played with nuances, giving the “hero” some bad qualities that create an anti-hero at times which works in terms of the comedy and even the action. Most of the characters are a bit bumbling, adding to the humor and the blurred lines at times.
The film has cinematography by Guillermo Nieto and is edited by Fran Amaro. Their work gives the film a crisp, clear look that helps the viewer get into the action, and also actually fully see the action. The way the film opens is beautiful and sets an interesting tone for the rest of it. The images are energetic and shot in a way that beckons the viewer to keep following the hero.
You Only Live Once is a funny action comedy that plays with expectations, going along with them at times and not at others, while looking really good with fantastic shots framing the action and the film’s nonsense. It’s one of those comedies that throws everything at the viewer and hopes that some of it will stick. Thankfully, it’s well done and with humor. A few jokes fall flat, but may depend on the audience and their culture as of course everything is relative to each viewer. The film does play with some clichés but most of them work. Of course, the taking of a con man and placing him in an orthodox Jewish community is tip toeing on the line of potential inappropriateness but it works. The humor is irreverent but not insulting, which helps the film build an interest in its main character and not lose people to silly jokes and lack of respect, a thin line many comedies of this type cross far too often.
Fantasia International Film Festival runs from July 13th to August 2nd.