this be a first for the french cinema and the remake of an american film and when just the opposite be what happen always . the american love to redo what some french director do before and with mediocre result . the beat that my heart skip be adapt for the screen by jacques audiard and tonino benaquesta and from the 1978 film by james toback and an under appreciated director that deserve more credit for his work in this country . mr. audiard direct the french version . a a character study of thomas and the film somewhat succeed in present his ambivalence a a petty criminal and a a frustrated pianist that be try to regain his skill in play the instrument . thomas be and from all account and an ugly character that will engage in all kind of under handed situation in order to make a living . most of the motivation in thomas action be drive by his loyalty to his small crook father and who be constantly nag him to take care of the old man criminal activity a well . in romain duris and director audiard get a multi layer performance that be what keep the film go . mr. duris and an intense actor and be the dominant figure in the movie and and perhaps the excuse for see the film . nil arestrup and a the father and have also some good moment .