The title translates as a slap in the face and there are several on offer though it does stop short of slapstick. For French film buffs it's hawg heaven via the early glimpses of Andre Dussollier and Nathalie Baye plus veterans Nicole Courcel, Annie Girardot and, of course, Lino Ventura. Although Isabelle Adjani had been around for a couple of years this was her breakout role and she is effective and extracts maximum mileage from the opportunity but the real joy is watching Ventura and Girardot. Jean-Loup Dabadie was already registering as a competent scenarist and he would go on to work for Yves Montand, not least writing a song, Valentin, for Montand's son. Pinotau was a fine journeyman director and this is certainly worth a look.
Review of The Slap
