L’Attentat (1972) - film review

Sadiel, a prominent rebel leader in a North African state, takes refuge in Switzerland in the aftermath of a coup d’état.  Aware of the threat still posed by Sadiel, the ruthless Colonel Kassar contacts the French security services and tries to enlist their help in capturing the political activist.  A police informer, Darien, is coerced into luring Sadiel to Paris, ostensibly to make a television programme about the Third World.  Once in Paris, Sadiel is captured and delivered to his political opponents.  Disgusted by the way he has been manipulated into betraying a friend, Darien tries to turn the tables.  He doesn’t quite realise what he’s up against…

This polished political thriller earned critical acclaim for director Yves Boisset and stands as one of his best films, in spite of its complex plot and ambiguous political context.  The scenario was based closely on the infamous Ben Barka affair, in which the Moroccan leader was “disappeared” in mysterious circumstances in Paris in 1965.  Strong performances from Jean-Louis Trintignant, Michel Piccoli and Gian Maria Volonté, plus a well-honed script, make this a fine example of its genre, easily matching the standard of Costa-Gavras’ political thrillers from the same decade.

© James Travers 2004

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