Another Criterion Collection Masterpiece

Films/DVD Asylum

Movies from comedy to drama to your favorite Hollyweird Star.

Here is another great release - man, am I enjoying that collection!
This one is by Bertrand Tavernier, who gave us such marvels as "Life and Nothng But". The film is Coup de torchon (1981).
This long (over two hours) film is nothing but sheer enjoyment. What does it bring to memory most? Why, things like Eating Raoule and Montenegro - two of my beloved movies. I don't want to drop that much overused term black comedy here, but if you like that genre, then please consider the Coup. You will not regrett, even if the film is much too deep to fit under this label.
It is delightfully set in Western Africa before the WWII and makes good use of two trully greats - Philippe Noiret and Isabelle Huppert.
Noiret's place on movie Olimpus is completely assured, and he is tremendous in this film. On the scale of 0 to 100 is is doing his usual 110, and what a treat it is to watch this subtle actor!
Isabelle, ah, Isabelle, that spoiled girl of French cinema... who hasn't fallen in love with you? While she managed to play ladies on both sides of the watershed, her true call is in playing lovable bad girls.
And so incredibly lovable she is here too. Is this her best role? I don't know - I have seen many, but definitely not all of her films, but never mind that silly "best" thingy, just delve into her performance here, for it is so delightful and natural that the spell is overpowering. Truckloads of joy and fun.
The chemistry between the two actors is undeniable, and they both seem to enjoy their screen relationship. Between the two, she is definitely better known to the US public, so she may be a good hook to make more people introduced to Philippe.
My strongest recommendation for two hours of tasteful and slightly exotic entertainment.
BTW, how come that film is not mentioned on the Criterion page?

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Topic - Another Criterion Collection Masterpiece - Victor Khomenko 08:05:47 06/27/01 (7)

Criterion - John_N 17:31:53 06/27/01 (6)

Re: Criterion - Dmitry 13:09:16 06/28/01 (1)

Re: Criterion - John_N 22:29:22 06/28/01 (0)

Re: Criterion - Victor Khomenko 17:50:40 06/27/01 (2)

Re: Criterion - John_N 22:13:25 06/27/01 (1)

Green with envy - Victor Khomenko 07:10:22 06/28/01 (0)

Thank you, John. (nt) - Victor Khomenko 17:40:28 06/27/01 (0)

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