To me it is a crime that American audiences choose to endure the never ending glut of garbage that Hollywood studios release. Endless comic book films, talking pets, endless variations on switching bodies, anything directed by Adam Sandler's friend, all of these movies are usually pretty horrible. So when I come across a treat like MESRINE: KILLER INSTINCT and PUBLIC ENEMY #1 (Jean-Francois Richet, Music Box Films, 2008) I am not only thrilled to see quality films but dismayed because so many will never see such tremendous work. And if you like gangster films believe me, you'll love every pulse pounding second in the life of Jacques Mesrine.
Jacques Mesrine (Vincent Cassel) is everything that society fears and abhors. Vincent Cassel gives every ounce of his ability to this role and makes it work on every level. Mesrine was most definitely psychotic and delusional and Cassel finds every nuance to be found. At times charming and seductive, these moments can quickly give way to psychotic rages and impotent pleas by our protagonist defending his choice of lifestyle. The narrative makes us believe that this life was forced upon Mesrine, that through brutally harsh conduct in the military and a lingering resentment to country for cowardly behavior during the war that he has no choice and be the man France needs. Cassel hits all of these notes, meekly avoiding harming Algerian terrorists before brutally murdering one to castigating his father for the failure of France. He fully becomes the embodiment of a Frenchmen as he seduces beauty after beauty, no woman really ever resists his charm. A truly great performance is required in this role and Cassel provides it!
From the opening sequence of the film the overall direction is outstanding. Richet's choice to split screen his action, but then to split screen the same action over multiple shots is amazing (hard to explain, but imagine watching the same scene three different ways all at the same time, brilliant!). His decision to open the film with the killing of his protagonist also throws traditional gangster genre conventions out the window, yet when he returns to his conclusion at the end of the films it is fresh and convincing, altogether new. Various motifs are used throughout the film with tremendous effect. The use of mirrors is particularly telling, as seeing Mesrine in mirrors serves to show his fractured mind as well as his often fractured relationships. Richet has obviously watched his Truffaut films, a director who was a master at this sort of thing.
Richet also takes time in crafting other elements of technical worth throughout this film. The production design throughout the film is outstanding. They hit marks through the sixties and seventies in costuming, set design and props. Where did they find all the old cars is something I kept thinking as I watched. Richet also utilizes a great score throughout, one that sinks itself into your subconscious and lingers. Only after finishing part one did I realize how much the score was actively playing in my mind. The score also completely added impact to the narrative, heightening tension all the way.
If I had any problem with the films it would be with the narrative, particularly in the second installment. In Killer Instinct the narrative is more traditional, focusing on family and the rise of Mesrine to psychotic gangster. Public Enemy #1 takes different tack,and this is where it may falter just a bit. The narrative for the second part of the film is non stop, it never takes a break. Now this could be a way to heighten the fracturing of Mesrine's mind, as he completely loses all touch with reality in the second film. It's just to me, the non stop action doesn't give the audience time to breathe, to relax and revel in what we are seeing. Slowing it down a little would help, for me at least.
Finally, again, the amazingly gorgeous and stunning Ludivine Sagnier plays a small role as Mesrine's final lover. Dear Hollywood producers, can we get this great actress some work? Seriously! Do yourself a favor, Netflix this two parter today. But be forewarned, make sure you have time to watch both at one sitting because after watching one you'll never NOT be able to watch the second!
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