Mortelle randonnée (1983)

Mortelle randonnée is a French comedy thriller film first released in 1983, directed by Claude Miller.  The film stars Michel Serrault, Isabelle Adjani, Guy Marchand and Stéphane Audran.  It has also been released under the title: Deadly Circuit.  Our overall rating for this film is: very good.


Beauvoir, an ageing private detective, has spent years trying to make contact with his missing daughter.   One day, he is assigned to a murder case, and finds himself on the trail of a serial killer, Catherine.   Convinced that she is his long-lost daughter, Beauvoir helps the killer to evade capture by the police.  Catherine finally finds true love in a blind architect, Ralph, but he is killed in an accident provoked by Beauvoir’s jealousy.  Catherine once again goes on the run, teaming up with a young crook, Betty.  Undeterred, Beauvoir is not far behind…

Easily one of Claude Miller’s most striking and subversive films, Mortelle randonnée is the kind of seductively stylish comedy-thriller which only the French know how to make.  Forceful performances from charismatic lead actors Michel Serrault and Isabelle Adjani (both at their best) lend the film a spine-tingling intensity, and more than a touch of real poignancy.   Some wickedly dark black comedy and clever plot twists spice up what could have ended up as a straightforward parody of the noir thriller.   The overall result is certainly impressive – a hugely original film that veers about like an out-of-control juggernaut, switching chaotically between hard-edged thriller, profoundly unsettling drama and deliciously warped farce. It is what you might call a killingly funny romp.

© James Travers 2007

Write a review for this film...


What do you think of this film?

Recent DVD releases