The divorce rate has risen alarmingly by around 40 per cent in the last decade in France as it is here that more than a third of marriages end in divorce. In such a sorry 'state of affairs' for marriage, it is heartening to note that a film has been made in France which talks about love and marriage and the impact which these concepts have on married people's lives. Le Zèbre/The Oddball is a joy to watch solely due to the presence of actors namely Thierry Lhermitte and Caroline Cellier. About Thierry Lhermitte, it can be said that like Gérard Lanvin before him, he could have been more far more popular as an actor outside of France if more challenging 'thinking man' type of roles had landed on his lap. The same thing can also be said about Caroline Cellier who played an important role in Chabrol's classic "Que La Bête Meure". It is rather unfortunate that not many challenging roles were given to her. It is through these two actors that we get a chance to know more about the status of marriage in French society. French actor/director Jean Poiret and his team of screenwriters ask whether a couple can lead a happy life after 15 years of marriage ? This question is raised as there are times when one gets the feeling that it is difficult to let the same passion of love continue in a marriage. However, despite its noble sense of purpose, this film suffers enormously as its protagonist employs crazy methods to ignite passion in his married life despite having good intentions in his mind.
