STAR RATING: ***** Saturday Night **** Friday Night *** Friday Morning ** Sunday Night * Monday Morning
Surely one of the most high profile French films of recent time, Jean Francois Richoet's lengthy dramatization of our continental cousin's most infamous criminal is split into two parts to avoid wearing out the viewer's attention span and to provide some suspense for part two. For the first part, France's hottest acting talent at the moment, in the shape of Vincent Cassel, has crafted an impression of Mesrine as an arrogant, cavalier crook, who is loyal to his friends, even if they are hookers and cons, and a bas*ard to those he chooses to toss aside. He really brings the role to life, though, and injects it with his own vitality and flair.
The length alone should show how thorough Richoet has been with his source material and it certainly feels like you've been in a long way by the end. It's a worthy ride, though, and although not coming off as unforgettable, it's still an admirable ride. ***
Surely one of the most high profile French films of recent time, Jean Francois Richoet's lengthy dramatization of our continental cousin's most infamous criminal is split into two parts to avoid wearing out the viewer's attention span and to provide some suspense for part two. For the first part, France's hottest acting talent at the moment, in the shape of Vincent Cassel, has crafted an impression of Mesrine as an arrogant, cavalier crook, who is loyal to his friends, even if they are hookers and cons, and a bas*ard to those he chooses to toss aside. He really brings the role to life, though, and injects it with his own vitality and flair.
The length alone should show how thorough Richoet has been with his source material and it certainly feels like you've been in a long way by the end. It's a worthy ride, though, and although not coming off as unforgettable, it's still an admirable ride. ***