Molinaro's success and survival depend on discretion. He must not be discovered. The tension of the movie is established: histrionic Pignon is juxtaposed to phlegmatic Molinaro. Soon the two characters will become inextricably entwined.

Dear @agmoore !
I think the difference between French and American films is that the distinction between good and evil is ambiguous.
American movies always feature a confrontation between good and evil, culminating in the victory of the good.
In contrast, the distinction between good and evil in French cinema is ambiguous from the very beginning.
I believe the French film A Pain in the Ass (originally titled L'emmerdeur) serves as an allegory for how ordinary people can encounter unexpected mishaps in their daily lives!