Film Review
The second of the 1960s Fantômas films reunites stars Louis de Funès and
Jean Marais in what is essentially a parody of the spy movie, with Marais playing both
the good guy (Fandor) and the villain (Fantômas). De Funès's son Olivier
also makes his screen debut, playing the part of Hélène's younger
brother.
As in the other two films in the series,
Fantômas se déchaînehas
some moments of brilliance but overall feels rather flat and unsatisfying.
The director André Hunebelle was almost seventy when he made this film and this
is very noticeable in the film's lack of focus and energy. What saves the
film and has turned it into a cult classic is the quality of the performances from the
two principal actors and the visual feel of the film, which stems mainly from the shamelessly
kitsch set design. This just about makes up for the lacklustre direction,
the plodding plot (which owes more to Hergé's
Tintin than the original
Fantômas novels) and the tedious action scenes.
It is a great shame that none of the three films really gets anywhere near to exploiting
the full potential of the revived Fantômas character. Jean Marais' performance
as the green-skinned master criminal is dark and chilling yet reveals a subtle humanity
not seen in the original
Fantômas films of Louis Feuillade. Unfortunately,
all this is almost totally eclipsed by de Funès all-enveloping comic persona.
The film is played mainly for cheap laughs, and you can easily understand Marais'
frustration with the venture.
© James Travers 2002
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.
Next André Hunebelle film:
Fantômas contre Scotland Yard (1967)
Film Synopsis
A year after his disappearance, the arch-criminal Fantômas announces on television
that he intends to build a new secret weapon which will make him master of the world.
Realising that Fantômas is planning to kidnap the scientist Professor Lefebvre,
Fandor substitutes himself for the professor and takes his place at a conference, intending
to trap the evil mastermind. All does not go according to plan, and thanks to Commissaire's
Juve's bungling, the real professor is kidnapped, along with Fandor's girlfriend
Hélène...
© James Travers
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.