Le Vol du Sphinx (1984)
Directed by Laurent Ferrier

Film Review

This drawn-out thriller distinguishes itself mainly for its evocative photography of the Moroccan desert landscapes in which the drama unfolds.  Acting performances are lacklustre, with Miou-Miou easily outstaged by the charismatic Alain Souchon.  The plot takes some while to reveal itself and when it becomes clear what is happening it resembles little more than a second-rate melodrama, populated with weak characterisation and over-reliance of graphical physical violence to convey a sense of menace.

Film Synopsis

A cruel disappointment in love compels a young Frenchman named Tom to give up his old life and start a new one as a pilot in the south of Morocco.  Here, he makes an adequate living for himself by ferrying supplies across the desert in his ancient aeroplane, the Sphinx.  One day, his path crosses that of an arms trafficker Staubli and his younger wife Laura, who find themselves stranded in the middle of the desert after their jeep breaks down.

Quick to turn the situation to his own personal advantage, Tom offers his services and agrees to ferry the couple to the nearest habited village.  Without wishing it, he finds he is strongly attracted to the highly desirable young woman.  Wondering why Laura is mixed up in such a dubious activity as gun running, Tom imagines that he can persuade her to leave her dodgy business associates and start a new life with him.  At this stage, he has no idea that he is being taken for a complete fool.  All too soon, he discovers he has been caught up in dangerous web of intrigue...