Carwash

Somewhere in France, petty criminals Thomas and Francis take Wilfrid, owner of a car wash, hostage in his own home. Stockholm Syndrome seems to have affected Wilfred when it becomes clear he is aware that Thomas and Francis want to disappear with his money. He's not so bothered about being a hostage, as this gives him time to look after his garden, plus he likes the company. The summer stretches out; French girlfriends join the petty thieves. Gradually the situation starts getting out of hand. Braquer Portiers is a magnificently composed film that captures the colour and languid feel of a hot summer; the soundtrack heightens the effect. The way the characters are presented seems a little pathetic, but this is deliberate: a method that both alienates and gives the film a sense of humour. Young filmmaker Claude Schmitz also makes highly characteristic theatre productions, often working with the same actors. (International Film Festival Rotterdam)