Le cri du cormoran, le soir au-dessus des jonques

Main Plot

"Le cri du cormoran, le soir au-dessus des jonques," directed by Michel Audiard, is a French crime-comedy film that revolves around a convoluted plot of mistaken identity and a botched heist. The story kicks off with a petty criminal who inadvertently becomes entangled in a larger scheme involving a valuable treasure hidden within a coffin. As he navigates through a series of misadventures, he finds himself pursued by various factions, including police, gangsters, and other criminals, all eager to get their hands on the treasure. The film is marked by its satirical take on the crime genre, blending humor with suspense. It explores themes of greed, deception, and the absurdity of human nature. The protagonist's journey is filled with ironic twists and turns, leading to a series of comedic and chaotic situations. The narrative is driven by sharp dialogue and a fast-paced plot, characteristic of Audiard's directorial style. Ultimately, the film offers a humorous critique of the lengths to which people will go for wealth, while also poking fun at the conventions of crime dramas.

Characters

• Paul Meurisse plays Alphonse, a cunning insurance investigator who unravels a convoluted plot involving a fake death and a hidden treasure.
• Bernard Blier plays Paul, a hapless undertaker who becomes entangled in a convoluted plot involving mistaken identities, smuggling, and a series of comedic misadventures.
• Michel Serrault plays Alphonse Rapaud, a bumbling accomplice in a convoluted kidnapping plot, adding comedic chaos and confusion to the storyline.

Ending Explained

In the final scenes, the protagonist, Alphonse, finds himself entangled in a convoluted plot involving a mysterious briefcase. After a series of misadventures, he discovers that the briefcase contains a large sum of money. This revelation leads to a chaotic chase, with various parties, including gangsters and law enforcement, vying for possession of the briefcase. Alphonse, initially an unwitting participant, becomes more proactive as he navigates through the escalating tension. The climax occurs when he cleverly outmaneuvers his pursuers, using a combination of quick thinking and sheer luck. In a dramatic turn of events, he manages to secure the briefcase and evade capture. The resolution sees Alphonse contemplating his newfound wealth and the moral implications of keeping it. However, in a twist of fate, the briefcase is accidentally destroyed, scattering the money and rendering his efforts futile. This ironic conclusion underscores the futility of greed and the unpredictable nature of life. The ending is significant as it highlights the themes of chance and the absurdity of human endeavors. Alphonse's journey, filled with unexpected turns and comedic elements, ultimately leads to a poignant reflection on the transient nature of fortune and the inherent unpredictability of existence.