[Citroëns at the Cinema] : The Citroën BX, Star of Operation Corned Beef

Since the dawn of cinema, automobiles have consistently played a key role on the big screen, whether as mere set dressing or as central elements of the plot. Certain brands, through their distinctive design or memorable presence, have forged enduring links with the seventh art. Citroën is undeniably one of them. Who doesn't recall the futuristic silhouette of Fantomas's DS speeding along, or the quaint and functional charm of Louis la Brocante's Type H, a true sidekick to the antique dealer? These vehicles are not just extras; they often embody the era, the characters' personalities, and actively participate in the action. It is precisely this special relationship between the brand with the double chevron and cinema that we aim to explore through this new series, "Citroën at the Cinema". To inaugurate this series, we are today focusing on the fascinating case of a popular model that managed to stand out spectacularly in a cult comedy from the 90s: the Citroën BX in the film "L'Opération Corned Beef". In the pantheon of movie cars, the red Citroën BX from this film holds a special place; far from being a simple prop, it is a full-fledged actor in Jean-Marie Poiré's film, sharing the screen with the duo Christian Clavier and Jean Reno.

A red delage 16 TGS BX at the heart of the action

The exact model that shares top billing with Christian Clavier and Jean Reno in Jean-Marie Poiré's film is a Citroën BX 16 TGS from the year 1990, sporting the iconic Rouge Delage (Red Delage) paintwork. This family saloon, widely distributed at the time and known for its comfort as well as its characteristic hydropneumatic suspension from the double chevron brand, becomes the, initially involuntary, ride of secret agent Philippe Boulier, aka "Le Squale" (Jean Reno), and the clumsy engineer Jean-Jacques Granianski (Christian Clavier). The story of this specific BX in the film is anything but uneventful and constitutes an integral part of the comical and action-packed plot. First starting as Jean-Jacques Granianski's personal vehicle, it is quickly, and despite itself, dragged into the international espionage plot, enduring the most improbable assaults, shocks, and stunts imagined by the screenwriters. Its robustness, a real quality for the model, is pushed to the extreme and severely tested throughout the film, chaining together spectacular action scenes and absurd situations.

The BX: a character in its own right and witness to the plot

What distinguishes the Citroën BX in "L'Opération Corned Beef" is its ability to become a recurring comedic character. Far from remaining pristine, its slow degradation throughout the plot creates an amusing visual parallel with the increasingly burlesque adventures of the main characters. The BX accumulates "war wounds": it progressively loses bodywork elements, its doors become deformed, and it accumulates damage, bearing witness to the intensity and chaos of the action. This progressive transformation of the family saloon into a rolling wreck accentuates the situational humour and anchors the film in a certain absurd realism. It is not just a simple backdrop or a means of transport; it actively participates in the narrative, reflecting the chaotic and uncontrollable state of the operation for the heroes. Its constant presence and its mechanical "suffering" transform it into a true comedic foil, a non-speaking third main role whose on-screen "life," though short and eventful, has left a mark on spectators and has largely contributed to the film's cult status among many enthusiasts.

Using a car like the Citroën BX in a film that involves so many action scenes and stunts implies specific logistics. According to available information and discussions among enthusiasts, several units of the Citroën BX were indeed used for the needs of the filming, precisely to be able to capture the different stages of its "degradation" and carry out the various stunts without halting production. The extent of the abuse they suffer on screen makes the use of a single vehicle impossible. It is even reported that Citroën loaned the necessary vehicles to the film's production, thus highlighting a discreet but effective partnership between the brand and Jean-Marie Poiré's team. This support from the parent brand for the use of its models in cinema is a tradition that continues and shows Citroën's interest in this form of showcasing. Furthermore, and to reinforce the presence of the double chevron brand in "L'Opération Corned Beef," it is important to remember that the BX is not the only Citroën to appear in the film. At the very end of the story, in a symbolic gesture of reward, the character of Jean-Jacques Granianski is given a brand new Citroën XM, the brand's executive car at the time. This transition from the "martyred" BX to the luxurious new XM concludes the heroes' automotive adventure on a very Citroën note.

"L'Opération Corned Beef" and the central role played by the Citroën BX 16 TGS Red Delage perfectly illustrate the special chemistry that can arise between a film and a car, especially when it's a Citroën. Beyond their primary function of transportation, the brand's vehicles often possess a soul, a design, or technical characteristics that catch the eye and stimulate the imagination. The BX in this film is not just a rolling set piece; it is a dynamic element of the story, a partner to the heroes, a truly unexpected co-star. It embodies French ingenuity, resilience, and a certain form of comedic anti-heroism in the face of preposterous situations. This tradition of remarkable Citroën presence in cinema, initiated by icons like the DS or the 2CV, and continued by models like the BX or the XM, demonstrates the brand's ability to produce cars that, through their distinctiveness, transcend their simple status as vehicles to become cultural elements, capable of leaving a lasting impression on the big screen. A love story between Citroën and cinema that, we hope, will continue to offer us wonderful surprises and future classics.

Source of images : https://www.imcdb.org/v002810.html