While the DVD case for this film described it as being "Film Noir", the movie wasn't really Noir style but instead was a realistic film about a real criminal without the snappy dialog you usually associate with Noir. This isn't a complaint--after all, the film is very realistic and exciting. But for lovers of the genre, understand the film isn't stylistically a Noir film. The dialog, camera work and overall style of the film just aren't at all reminiscent of classic Noir.
Emile Buisson was a sociopath who escaped from prison and went on a robbery and killing spree that ultimately was responsible for almost three dozen deaths! The film shows many of these brutal and unnecessary murders--such as when he shot people who posed absolutely no risk to him. He was super-cold and evil and fortunately, while the film realistically portrayed him and his deeds, it was not grotesque or gratuitous--and I appreciated this.
Roger Borniche was a famous cop ("flic") that was ordered to find and capture Buisson. However capable and decent Borniche was, however, Buisson was so brilliant and left no possible chance of capture (killing anyone who might betray him) that apprehending him was very difficult. The police work and how they eventually got him is shown in this film.
In many ways, the film is almost a documentary fused with a traditional drama. The skill of the actors (particularly Trintignant as Buisson) and direction make this a wonderful film--very similar to the great film, LE SAMOURAI, and is well worth your time.
Emile Buisson was a sociopath who escaped from prison and went on a robbery and killing spree that ultimately was responsible for almost three dozen deaths! The film shows many of these brutal and unnecessary murders--such as when he shot people who posed absolutely no risk to him. He was super-cold and evil and fortunately, while the film realistically portrayed him and his deeds, it was not grotesque or gratuitous--and I appreciated this.
Roger Borniche was a famous cop ("flic") that was ordered to find and capture Buisson. However capable and decent Borniche was, however, Buisson was so brilliant and left no possible chance of capture (killing anyone who might betray him) that apprehending him was very difficult. The police work and how they eventually got him is shown in this film.
In many ways, the film is almost a documentary fused with a traditional drama. The skill of the actors (particularly Trintignant as Buisson) and direction make this a wonderful film--very similar to the great film, LE SAMOURAI, and is well worth your time.