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."

 

 

 

Les Amants de Montparnasse (1958)

 

 

Biographic movie about the last year of the famous Italian painter Modigliani.

Masterfully directed and photographed melodrama perfectly assimilates its genre - the misunderstood, self-tortured genius artist who hurts and betrays all those (mainly women) who love him despite all his behaviour.
 

Halliwell*: "Moderate biopic, though with an unconvincing performance by Philipe."

Maltin**1/2: "Unusual biography...plays up the women in his life but at the same time presents a harshly realistic view of the Parisian art world and its denizens. Philipe is fine as the impoverished, boozing - and romantic - lead."

 

 

Adieu poulet (1975)

When political thugs murder an opponent's volunteer and also kill a cop, a chief inspector believes the politician who hired them is as guilty as the murderous goon.

Moody and cantankerous, but entertaining policier, solidly staged, and Lino Ventura is great in one of his typical roles.

Maltin***: "Neat, entertaining police story..."

Les Aventuriers (1967)

Marie-Octobre (1959)

Fifteen years after WWII, a group of ex-resistance fighters are brought together by Marie-Octobre, so that the former members of the network can finally relive one fateful night and find out who betrayed their murdered leader.

Old-fashioned, Agatha Christie-style whodunnit, stagebound and talkative, but well-staged and entertaining nevertheless.

Halliwell (no star): "Stultifying one-set talkfest employing Hitchcock's long-discarded ten-minute take."

Les aventuriers (1967)