The French Detective 4K 1975 Ultra HD 2160p

Story Movie

“The French Detective” (1975) is a tense detective thriller centered on an experienced police inspector, Jean Lavalette (Lino Ventura). Lavalette is confronted with the mysterious murder of a prominent politician and begins an investigation that soon puts him on the trail of a vast conspiracy involving the highest echelons of government. As he progresses in his investigation, Lavalette finds his own life and career being jeopardized. Tensions mount as he realizes that no one can be trusted, and his every move is monitored by powerful figures intent on hiding the truth. The plot of the movie grabs the viewer from the first minutes and keeps him in suspense until the very end, revealing more and more layers of intrigue and betrayal. Masterful acting and skillful direction make “The French Detective” a true masterpiece of the genre, which will not leave indifferent any lover of quality cinema.

Review 4K Movie

In 1970 Jean Gabin, ranked 18th in the list of 'Greatest Frenchmen', appeared in 'La Horse', a lamentable opus by Pierre Granier-Deferre which even Gabin's presence could not save. A considerable improvement is this later film from the same director which stars Lino Ventura, who was destined to assume Gabin's mantle and is ranked 23rd.

Ventura plays Commissaire Verjeat, an avenging angel in true Dirty Harry mode whilst the inspired casting of Patrick Dewaere as his hot-headed assistant provides another fascinating variant on the tried and trusted filmic formula of established versus rising star. As well as possessing that indefinable something extra, both actors complement each other perfectly whilst the other side of the coin is represented by the morally vacuous characters that are played by Victor Lanoux, Claude Rich and Julien Guiomar.

This is one of the films generally credited with helping to establish the sub-genre known as 'neo-polar' which is characterised by punchy dialogue, taut editing, high body count, maximum machismo and minimal femininity. The basic subject matter is redeemed however by the typically French emphasis on character rather than plot.

Although 'La Horse' is pretty awful one must acknowledge the excellence of this director's other collaboration with Gabin, 'Le Chat'. The brilliant Dewaere went from strength to strength before his tragically early demise. Ventura is, as always, great value in this but to suggest, as one critic has done, that this film represents 'arguably his finest hour' is frankly, absolute nonsense, as this would mean overlooking 'L 'Armée des Ombres', 'Cadaveri eccelenti' and 'Garde a Vue'.