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."

 

4 mosche di velluto grigio (1971)

A musician is stalked by an unknown killer who's blackmailing him for an accidential killing of another stalker.

Early Dario Argento giallo that already reveals the director's trademarks:  atmosphere and style get preference over the logic of a convincing plot, imaginative set pieces, suspenseful and blood-curdling sequences, a pop soundtrack slightly off-kilter to the ongoings on screen - and everything highly entertaining.

Maltin**: "Unabsorbing psychological murder-mystery with performers who walk through their roles in a very disinterested fashion."