A l'Attaque! opens with two budding screenwriters, Xavier and Yvan, discussing ideas for a film. As their faltering story takes shape, so the 'film' unfolds, interrupted along the way by their wry interjections on the plot's development.

Their film concerns a widow, Lola, loyal co-owner of the family-run garage service, who is summons to the bank for a repossession warning on an unpaid bank loan. Lola's brother Gigi and cousin Jean-Do visit a corporate client, Euroconteneur, to reclaim a debt owed to them before the company falls into receivership. Unfortunately for the director, Mr Moreau, the money is not repaid and after Gigi and Jean-Do's failed attempt at extortion, Lola and her sister-in-law Marthe decide to take direct action to save the family's livelihood.

A l'Attaque! adopts a light-hearted standpoint. The characters are charming while a non-linear story line softens any hint of the combative plot progression associated with other issue based films.

The film pays gleeful homage to the pre-war films of the 30s, cheekily adlibbing inter-titles and iris framed shots in tandem with the writers' bandying of visual gimmickry. Most striking is the debt to Brecht's 'alienation' technique. As the writers fall out over a favourite actress, the 'scene' is rehearsed only to reach an abrupt halt as the actress turns direct to camera and furiously asks if they're ready yet.

Those seeking a slice of dramatic urban upheaval may find its light touch unsatisfactory yet the refreshing, jaunty tone, opens up a wealth of possibilities concerning film narrative and social comment and provides a witty alternative to the Godardian school of political filmmaking.

Clare Norton-Smith