France
in cinema history has had some of the most interesting films during its run.
Their film has had significant impact on American cinema and the rest of the
world. One of those directors is Henri-Georges Clouzot who directed Quai des
Orfèvres. The film follows Jenny
Lamour is want to become famous and a theater star. When she starts making
moves on a perverted businessman (Brignon), her husband (Maurice) decides to
threaten he businessman with murder. Unfortunately, Jenny goes to meet the
businessman secretly and Maurice follows her. That same evening Brignon is
murder and it is time for Inspector Antonie to solve the case.
The
best part of the films comes in its second half in the film after the murder of
Brignon. The Inspector Antoine is one a stand out as a great character that
really carries the film. He is charming and likeable and it is too much fun
watching him through the police procedurals. His best stuff comes during the
interrogation scenes as we continuously cut between the three citizens the
police are holding. It is great editing and marvelous direction at the same
time, very noir-ish and its impact on film noir can be clearly seen. There are
some great night scenes in the street and also an amazing shot in the jail of
blood running from one cell to the other. Though where Clouzot’s magic really
shines is in the script where the dialogue is gold! The script is snappy and really
explores the struggle of the common man and the criminals that run the streets.
Clouzot is also a master of slowly pulling out the story as Inspector Antoine
begins to discover the story detail by detail.
Overall,
Quai des Orfèvres is
a French classic and a very entertaining story. It’s pace is smooth and fluid,
you will never get bored. The story pulls you in and you wait every second to
find out how the story will unravel. I
know I wasn’t sure how it all was going to end but when it all was over I
highly enjoyed it.
3/4
3/4
No comments:
Post a Comment