Le Petomane: Parti avec le vent (2005) User Reviews

True story polished to a sheen

[mickiman-1 · 9/10 · 18 November 2005]

I laughed so hard I got a nose bleed. (True!)

LE PETOMANE: PARTI AVEC LE VENT does not appear to be a comedy at the start but it did not take long for this reviewer to catch on.

If you hear this story related it sounds highly improbable, but experiencing the story visually, as written, presented and directed by Steve Ochs and a wonderful cast and crew, it is candy for eyes.

Oana Bogdan's masterful recreation of Marseille and Paris just before the opening of the twentieth century, is brought to life richly by the costumes of Ariyela Wald-Cohain, the sensitive and comical score of Kent Karlsson, and the unfailing eye of Bengt Jan Jonsson.

Kevin Scott Allen, gives us a moving portrayal of Dr. Baudouin who narrates his story in all its twisted perversion and Mr. Allen actually manages to make us feel sorry for his character when we learn that the wretched Dr. has contracted a fatal disease.

Ben Wise is quietly outrageous as Le Petomane and his characterization is doubly amusing when one compares his demeanor and his actions. Mr. Wise and Aimee Miles make moving and poignant lovers and Mr. Karlsson never misses an opportunity to render their relationship with appropriate harmonies.

The balance of the cast perform splendidly.

As the story is a visual treat my review will leave it to your personal discovery.

This is one for your MUST SEE list. It left me wanting more.

Belly Laughs (no pun intended). Cinematic grandeur . And educational too!

[skippywithnuts · 9/10 · 2 February 2006]

Based on the true life of one of the most unusual entertainers in history (understatement), this film tells his story without "Joking it up". The actual fact that a performer could perfect and become so popular with this particular skill set is so bizarre that everything about his passion and drive to succeed is inherently funny. The filmmakers bear hug this notion including smart casting that doesn't ham it up, but rather organically explores the truths of these bizarre real life characters and events... I was really impressed with the big budget studio look and feel of the film, some of the locations were startling... Causing myself the ask, "How'd they shoot that?"

This film is a bright spot for dark comedies. My favorite moment? An extremely memorable climatic scene (understatement), that makes me laugh every time i think about it.

Put it on your to see list

[sapience-2 · 9/10 · 3 November 2006]

This short movie looks and feels big budget, but it isn't. The movie is loosely based on the incredible life of Joseph Pujol, Le Pétomane, who starred at the Moulin Rouge over a hundred years ago. I had read a book about Le Pétomane in the middle of the sixties and sometime after I met my wife in 1972, I must have told her about the book. When she read in a newspaper that it was going to be shown at the 2006 Los Angeles Shorts movie Festival, I had to go and she went too. She was prepared to dislike it, but she loved the movie. It has a quality the best movies have. I felt I was a part of the story and immersed in the sights, smells and sounds of France. When you get the chance, see it and be prepared to be charmed by this stranger than fiction movie which is so very well done.

Unusual topic hilariously presented

[synergy386 · 10/10 · 25 November 2005]

The production values are perfect (sound, picture, scenery, lighting,, etc.) The actors are excellent. The story is subtly hilarious. I didn't realize for a while that it was a comedy and when I did I roared with surprise. Taken from a true story, it seems unbelievable in its novelty, but that made it all the more fascinating. The costumes were marvelous. I hope to see more from this gifted writer-director-producer. At last something a little different. Without writing any spoilers, I will say that it touches on a subject that is universal to all of us, yet rarely spoken of in proper company. Viewed in a local small theater in Los Angeles, the audience was comprised of all ages, and all seemed to enjoy it equally.

Gloriously Ridiculous!

[j-varady · 1 December 2005]

This short film is truly a spectacle from start to finish. Deftly handled by first-time Director Steve Ochs, cast and crew present an absurd story in such a straight-faced manner I was left scratching my head while roaring with laughter.

For a "small film" this had a huge feel with costumes and performances worthy of a full-length epic. The majestic score fit perfectly with the pseudo seriousness of the film.

I wish the story spent more time with Le Petomaine's early club experiences, but perhaps a longer version may go deeper into this dark and dank area.

I give this movie a big latex covered thumbs up!

Could have been a big studio film

[DocStock · 10/10 · 16 December 2005]

This is a charming, funny, and smart movie which masquerades as a big studio film, in terms of production values, the care with which it was made and the performances of the cast.

But it is far more clever than most of what one might see from the majors, and the subject matter (a legendary performer who musically farted at will) is indy film all the way. If Steve Ochs is using this film as proof of his ability to stand up against any filmmaker out there, it should prove to be the perfect calling card. The fact that it's not full feature length is probably the only reason why this film wouldn't pick up wide distribution.

My congratulations to the filmmakers, it is a great success and great fun to watch.

comedy with heart, soul and precision

[kittymartini · 10/10 · 10 January 2006]

This sweet, funny, true story of "Le Petomane" the man who played music out of his derrière was well worth seeing and hopefully owning as a DVD. "Parti" is the perfect flick to bust out at parties while you pass the bean dip & chili.

This film presents a unique form of comedy that is reminiscent of Chaplin in its silliness and heart & soul. You get to see the "human side" of an odd man with an odd ambition.

The story of Le Petomane takes you back to when you were a kid, and you had your first big burst of laughter over your first big blast of gas, then seamlessly fast forwards you to the adult life of uncertainty, and struggle. In the end, gas & love save the day. When life gets serious and significant and we find ourselves alone, that silly blast of gas is a reminder that if you can parlay it into a career--you can triumph over anything!

Mon Dieux - C'est formidable!!!

[pjr13 · 10/10 · 14 December 2005]

I enjoyed this film like nobody's business and laughed till it hurt - a sound script with authentic hilarity. The script was so well written and came to life with bold strikes and tender subtleties. The love story is a major triumph but getting this guys acts together was a real adventure and the director made it a whole lot of fun. The cast is something to write home about. The casting of this film could not have been better. They were curious characters with a lot of depth. The story plays against a rich, vibrant background - the sets are lush without a detail missed. I could smell the croissants in the air!! - and quite possibly more. It's a diamond with polish!

Odiferous for sure.....

[MovieSecretSpy · 19 January 2006]

It's ironic that this film is about a man who is able to manipulate his flatulence. Because when it comes to farts and this film, despite the talent and effort involved, the end result is still a bunch of crap.

The other reviewers are either high, paid shills, friends and family of the filmmaker, or quite possibly all of the above.

It's clear that a considerable amount of creative effort and professional craft went into the production value of this film as the lighting, cinematography, costume design, etc are very impressive for such a small film. But that is where its value comes to a screeching halt. The story itself is neither funny nor compelling. The character of Le Petomane is worthy of perhaps a footnote or a minor story point in other films about the glory days of the Moulin Rouge but nothing more. He's just not that interesting or at least not in this film. The characters are caricatures, the dialogue is forced and the acting is amateurish; although the blame doesn't fall on the actors as much as it does the poor writing. The story about a man who farts on command and is able to make various animal noises and do tricks with his ass is really just a sophomoric joke that goes on for 29 minutes too long.

I was blown away...

[mmwilde · 10/10 · 3 January 2006]

This short film is full of warmth, charm (really!) and plenty of laughs. I was amazed by the incredibly thin line this thing chose to walk. One slip, and it would have been a complete disaster. So, in addition to being a completely satisfying film, it also winds up being a small miracle. Everyone on board understands what's at stake, from the photography to the direction to the great cast, all the way to the phenomenal score, set so perfectly that one has to wonder if the composer had his tongue in his cheek or not. The film looks great, feels great, and is great. The subject matter, a man's behind, is handled tenderly. But it is so much more than butt. It is a complete story, with not a hole left unfilled. I am not just blowing hot air when I say you must do yourself the favor of being swept up by "The Wind".

I laughed, I farted

[stevealtman · 10/10 · 24 July 2007]

Once in a great while a film maker will come along and blow away the competition. Rarely does the lead character in the storyline actualize the 'blow-away' term so literally. I've seen this film thrice...and by 'thrice' i mean two times, and then again one time after that. Seriously though, I remember reading about this guy in high school and the good many laughs I had with friends about him and his gaseous performance technique. Kudos to Steve Ochs for taking the subject matter seriously enough to create the mood and tone of a Merchant-Ivory film and the wit and whimsy of Mel Brooks. I can't wait for the extras release. And by 'release', i don't mean flatulence.

The "Lawrence of Arabia" of 30 minute Farting Biopics

[greg-1068 · 9/10 · 24 August 2006]

Full of glorious bombast, outrageous French accents, and probably as much accuracy as one can expect from even a serious Hollywood biopic, Le Petomane: Parti avec le vent is brilliant. The score is too big, the shots are too lush, the whole tone is perfect. I've been waiting for a while for someone to find the right way to capture this (true) story. My only complaint is that I would've gladly sat through the full two-hour treatment. Kudos! IMDb has now informed me that a comment must a minimum of 10 lines. So much for Strunk & White and years of studying concise writing. I therefore repeat, see Le Petomane at your earliest convenience. I don't know what the release deal is, but find it or ask your neighborhood cable operator or petition The Academy. It's a mighty fine short film.

Whats wrong with sophomoric?

[KittyMancini · 10/10 · 19 September 2006]

Farts are not supposed to be interesting. They are just a constant reminder of how simple it was to laugh when we were kids..and that even if we expect our world and everything in it to be profound and interesting, we can still laugh at something stupid. Most Hollywood comedies are a different kind of stupid that doesn't make me laugh. They are attempts at taking something stupid and trying to make it interesting. If there's a 30 min. version of a club mix song, there can surely be a 30 minute GAG! Yes, the film is an elaborate gag..a fancy rendering of farts and how creative one man can be with them. So lighten up, dude. Listen to the farts. I also recommend lighting your farts! But not on a date.

abbreviated biography of Le Petomane

[SLaneClark · 9/10 · 14 April 2007]

This is a delightful and informative movie about a talented man woefully overlooked by history. It's beautifully filmed and well acted and scripted. If you like your humor on the sly side, then this is for you. I only had 2 disappointments with this film: #1 - not nearly long enough. I would've LOVED to have had this film follow this fascinating man (and his family & friends) for a much longer period of time. #2 - there were times that, because of the softness of the voices and the heavy french accents, that I missed some of the dialog. Subtitles would've helped. All in all, an entertaining, informative short and a nice way to spend your time.

It's what's inside a man that counts. Oh, and also his heart.

[poopreport-com · 9/10 · 6 November 2006]

Few people can claim to have more experience with farts (and related matter) than I. And of all the movies I've seen about farts (and related matter), this is by far one of the most professional and entertaining. The auteur clearly dedicated more intellectual effort than most people would expect the subject to warrant. But Le Petomane did indeed exist, and his life is relevant today. His was a name elevated to the pinnacle of society by his embrace of the lowbrow. Consider Howard Stern, or Trey Parker, or Johnny Knoxville -- do they have today the same thoughts and doubts as did Le Petomane a century ago? I know I do.

Dans les pets il y a la vérité!

-- Dave Praeger, editor, PoopReport.com

le petomane: le parti avec le vent IS A GAS!

[hensonfan · 10/10 · 30 October 2006]

This film is smart, ridiculous and EXTREMELY well executed. Performances, music, cinematography, editing, costuming, direction, etc.--all are tight and complete. It's better to watch and not know much about the hero--you'll be surprised to know that it's based on a true story/person--and you'll be surprised to enjoy it as much as you did, I promise... This film deserves to find an audience as it is better than almost any independent film I have seen of late. Thanks to Louisville's "LePetomance Theatre Ensemble" for bringing this film to my attention and for having the wisdom to let the hero of the film/history be their patron.

Damn Funny!

[[e-mail] · 10/10 · 16 October 2007]

IMO, this film hit me on the exact four levels of creativity & simplicity that I crave in my comedies. For the record; I am a huge fan of intellectual comedies (Monty Python), dry humor (anything by the Zucker brothers), dark humor (Fargo) and a dose of the crude, (Something About Mary, South Park, etc). What I found in this short film was a perfectly wonderful, intertwined collection of all four. Le Petomane is smart, dark, dry, and rough & ready all rolled up into one mass of hilarity (and, for the record, surprisingly & historically accurate – hence the 'faux' moniker, "Le French Fartiste").

The production value was amazing and the piece never took itself too seriously which directly lent itself to its subtle yet extensive humor. This is one of those rare films that get better with each viewing as you pick up on the minute subtleties missed in earlier screenings. In layman's terms… I laughed my ass off and will continue to do so each time I watch!!!