El avaro

Unlike other people, I don't think Louis de Funès looks tired as Harpagon, quite the opposite. I was amazed how vital he was, how he was always running from somewhere, hitting someone or throwing something at someone, throwing his arms around, screaming angrily and then whining innocently again... Just admirable form, say what you will. It's a pity that The Miser hasn't got rid of the biggest malady it has suffered from since Molière wrote it, namely the stretchiness. The film masks it quite successfully, apart from Funès' rampage, with some really great scenes with Claude Gensac and Michel Galabru, but at times (especially in the end) it drags and there is nothing to be done about it. (16.10.2015)

I simply didn't like this performance. Louis de Funès is classically affected and theatrical, and it just doesn't suit the character. He is always the one who wants to be in the center of attention, who wants to be incredibly interesting and entertaining, but his acting is simply annoying in this case. The play itself is good, but what really impressed me in this adaptation were the drawings by Albert Uderzo. (29.10.2014)