Le grand bluff

France produces 2% of its oil consumption .

The film 's wish is to prove that bluff is profitable ,when you gamble at the casino as well as when you 're in business. A crook who makes himself pass off for an American millionaire inspires people with confidence ,helped by the paparazzi ,eager for the latest scoop.

Although a con, Eddie favors the small savers -who can buy shares at a reasonable price- over the mighty companies and the selfish swindlers. One does not even know whether there's really oil in the heiress' concession though.

In spite of good ideas, the movie drags on, the lines -except for the very last one- need a good writer (Audiard would have made wonders in this situation ) , the action is pure routine (rumbles ,pretty chicks, kidnapping,chases ,oil shower ....);Eddie Constantine is a nice actor,with plenty of go,but a great comedy US style ,it isn't :it's Jerry Epstein's wish,but it's Billy Wilder's reality.

Spot young Jean-Pierre Marielle as a lawman.