The opening and closing credits of Eric Fraticelli’s Invaluable indicate that the film, shown for the first time on television (9.10pm this Sunday on TF1), is adapted from the true story of Felix Biancamaria, who discovered a treasure in the Mediterranean.
So, a true story, but also a real disappointment. The penultimate opus of the Corsican comedian Eric Fraticelli tells the story of the discovery of gold coins and jewelry dating back to the 3rd century by three island friends (Fraticelli, Didier Bourdon and Philippe Corti). Thanks to this luck, the trio, lost and quite wealthy, take the opportunity to pay off their terrible financial debts and try to rise in the good society of the nouveau riche Beauty Island.
Obviously, Corsican clichés, shenanigans and predictable jokes abound, almost always heavy. The few genuinely funny scenes and other good jokes are unfortunately not enough to save the comedy.
A little ingenuity
However, there was something seductive about the film’s box office. But Didier Bourdon, one of the three friends who is capable of great precision in serious and emotionally charged roles, serves up well-worn recipes here. However, we loved the fresh, compelling and iconic responses of the Unknowns at the height of their fame, as in the mythical Three Brothers. But here “300,000!” “(the fruit of the sale of the treasure) are recited in the same tone and diction as the unforgettable “a hundred potatoes!” “.
In short, there is little inventiveness, and in places there are very vulgar punchlines. Registry of a comic troupe. Two actors performed more worthy. Philippe Corticchiato, aka Corti, Thierry Ardisson’s talk show DJ, plays it very honestly. Born and raised in Corsica, the actor perfectly takes on the role of the exemplary son of a mother suffering from dementia, as well as a strong friend, with great sincerity and emotion. He turns out to be a good actor.
Michel Villermeau, whom film fans know best from the arthouse films of Arnaud Desplechin or the Podalydes brothers, is misused as a wealthy numismatist and a preppy Parisian connoisseur. He’s the true comedian of the film, deadpan at first and then letting go.
We’d love to travel with long, beautiful maps of Corsica to enjoy, even if it meant prolonging the adventure. Damage.
Editor’s note:
“Priceless”, French comedy by Eric Fraticelli and his participation (2023) with Didier Bourdon, Philippe Corti… 1 hour 32 minutes.