This is arguably one of the best and most original French films of the 1970s – a decade
which did French cinema few favours but which did, from time to time... [More...]
Although somewhat marred by its jarring excesses (particularly the overuse of music to
create and emphasise mood), Eaux profondes is a respectable adaptation of a Patricia
Highsmith novel... [More...]
This is another fine film from one of France’s most popular and prolific directors, Claude
Chabrol. It is a film that has the mood and feel of the deceptively simple thrillers
for which Chabrol is better known... [More...]
Nuit d’été en ville is arguably director Michel Deville’s most daring
film, and certainly one of his most intimate. The narrative could hardly be simpler
... [More...]
Les Amants du Pont-Neuf was one of the French film sensations of the 1990s, an
imaginative and provocative film which was praised in some quarters as vociferously as
it was pilloried in others... [More...]
This is a fascinating portrait of a woman – in fact, two women – who cannot live without
love. Director Claude Chabrol was clearly as much motivated by Flaubert’s Madame
Bovary (which he adapted for... [More...]
The crime thriller has been a popular target for parody in France ever since the heyday
of the genre in the 1950s. Whilst Cible émouvante is an entertaining
film with many plus points... [More...]
An all-star cast (which includes some of the biggest names in French cinema) somehow manages
to make this inconsequential film pass for entertainment... [More...]
Ponette is an unusual film about bereavement seen through the eyes of a young girl.
That girl is played by Victoire Thivisol in a truly captivating and believable performance... [More...]
Director Alain Corneau is the man responsible for some of the most highly rated crime-thrillers
in French cinema, including Police
Python 357 (1976) and Le
Choix des armes (1981)... [More...]
Despite its sumptuous location and a budget to match, Le Prince du Pacifique is evidently
one of those flashy productions whose appeal evaporates within about
five minutes of the opening credits... [More...]
With Les Marins perdus, director Claire Devers continues her exploration of the dark existentialist
themes which are evoked by grim contemporary situations... [More...]
