A French ‘cop thriller’ film recommendation
The Connection starring Jean Dujardin and Gilles Lellouche is based on a true story
This French thriller was directed by Cédric Jimenez
Gaumont
We love a trawl through the extensive and varied riches of French policiers (what we would call ‘cop thrillers’). From pioneering 1950s detective films noirs to latter day classics like 2022’s The Night of the 12th – a devastating but compelling watch – there is so much to choose from.
This month’s pick is an enjoyable film from 2014, called La French but given the title The Connection for its anglophone release.
It is apt to give it a watch now, given the recent passing of Gene Hackman, for La French serves as a French telling of the true story behind Hackman’s most famous role as Popeye Doyle in the 1971 classic, The French Connection.
For this version – much more than a simple pastiche thanks to the skills of director Cédric Jimenez – Jean Dujardin plays Pierre Michel, the magistrate aiming to bring down Marseille drug lord Gatean “Tany” Zampa, played by Gilles Lellouche.
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It’s great to see Dujardin flourish in a non-gurning, serious role, while Lellouche is suitably imposing as the villain sending heroin to the USA.
While certain elements border on cliché – Michel’s family life is in chaos as his obsession with nailing mobster Zampa takes over his life – there are brilliant flourishes, action scenes and a meticulous presentation of judicial procedures.
The 1970s setting is enjoyably authentic too. Stream on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play and Apple TV.
Also out: Mythomaniac
A Netflix comedy-drama about a mother who feels under-appreciated. She suspects her partner is cheating, so lies about a serious medical diagnosis.
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