What helped me...

... were the reviewers here who pointed out the Film Noir aspect. When you watch the movie with that in mind, I think it helps overcome its under-five rating, unusual for French film here on IMDB.

A great movie? No. But I didn't think that much of LA Confidential and that won two Oscars.

Relax and enjoy this. It's harmless and a lot better than most of the dreck out of Hollywood.