Garde à vue (1981)

 

A police inspector, suspecting an attorney of two child sex murders, has him held for a questioning session that goes on for hours.

From memory: Compelling psychological crime drama mainly consists of conversations enlivened by the excellent performances and reveals a fascinating and shocking mystery with a devastating ending.

Halliwell**: "Excellently acted, engrossing contest of wits."

Maltin***: "Tense, involving drama, with fine performances by all."

 

 

 

Coup de Torchon (1981)

 

A pathetic police chief, humiliated by everyone around him, suddenly wants a clean slate in life - and resorts to drastic means to do so.

From memory: This adaptation of a Jim Thompson novel is a very dark satirical drama, full of black humor, masterfully directed in an African setting, with a remarkable performance by Noiret amidst a likewise great cast.

Halliwell (no star): "Well-made, heavy-going study of mania."

Maltin***1/2: "Strong, disturbing black comedy...Fascinating film eventually overplays its hand, but enthralling most of the way, with marvelously shaded performance by Noiret."

 

Loulou (1980)

When a middle-class Parisian housewife, married to possessive husband, meets street thug Loulou , her middle-class respectability is thrown out the window and she leaves her husband for Loulou.

This movie offers two brilliant lead performances and works as an in-depth milieu study, but the plot meanders without a clear focus.

Halliwell (no star): "Curious but not particularly interesting character study, watchable mainly for its detail."

Maltin***1/2: "Two leads have terrific sexual rapport in dynamic star vehicle."