POLLYWOOD |JEROME CORNUAU

French Film Director Jermoe Cornuau of The Tiger Brigades

BY JANET DONOVAN

Vive la difference! Once asked what the difference between French and American films was, syndicated film critic Roger Ebert replied: "American films are about plots. French films are about people." When asked the same question, director Jerome Cornuau said: "The difference is probably with the subject. American films are often lighter"

Surprisingly, he likes American blockbusters because "the scripts are so well written with many good actors." As for his own work? "My first films were not well written, so I tried to learn. The Tiger Brigades, which was my third film, is a mix between an American film and a real French film — a bit of entertainment with a kind of political story with values inside."

While he does not believe that romance is necessary for a good film, he does appreciate the Dr. Zhivago and Titanic factor. "For example, I like to have a cold woman who is very warm inside." His next film, an adaptation of a French novel, follows a group of people for 20 years as they pursue their dreams. And yes, everything is possible. "I started at the bottom; I've done my "military" service [something not even John Kerry would joke about] in the cinema and also followed my dreams." Voila

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THE TIGER BRIGADES/ LES BRIGADESDU TIGRE

FRANCE, 2006 - 125 MINUTES DIRECTED BY: JEROME CORNUAU

What is the link between a fatal bank heist, an ambitious prince, an opera premiere, the chief of police and the Triple Alliance between England, France and Russia? Set in Belle-Epoque Paris against a backdrop of political and international intrigue, The Tiger Brigades is the modern adaptation of a legendary TV series which tells the story of Inspector Valentin and his men as they battle against corrupt civil servants, anarchist gangsters and Constance, the manipulative wife of a Russian prince. Amidst a chaotic and murderous web of deceit and greed, they race against the clock to protect national security, and perhaps to even prevent war.

LE PETIT LIEUTENANT

FRANCE, 2005 - 110 MINUTES DIRECTED BY: XAVIER BEAUVOIS

A grim and realistic look at the lives of several members of an elite Parisian police unit. Police academy graduate Antoine (Jalil Lespert) is so keen to tackle crimes head-on that he leaves his wife in Normandy to join a plainclothes unit in Paris. His new colleagues greet his enthusiasm with condescension, but he impresses Commandant Vaudieu (Nathalie Baye). When the unit investigates a murder, Antoine's passion and his partner's disinterest lead to a tragedy that rocks the department.

IN PARIS /DANS PARIS

FRANCE, 2006 - 93 MINUTES DIRECTED BY: CHRISTOPHE HONORE

After breaking up with his long-time girlfriend, Paul moves back to his father's place in Paris. Depressed and lethargic, he remains housebound. The father and younger brother try their best to help Guillaume get over his break-up. Meanwhile the Parisians are preparing their Christmas celebrations.