A man in a hurry

jotix100

It might be advisable for viewers suffering heart problems to stay away from this frantic paced film. At times the viewer feels dizzy watching its star, Alain Delon, running around like a chicken without a head. But we digress, this French film, directed by Edouard Molinaro was a vehicle for Mr. Delon, who is listed as the producer. It is based on a novel by Paul Morand, and of course, not having read it, we have no basis of comparison.

Pierre Niox, an antique dealer, is seen arriving by helicopter to buy a house in the country from a man that is on his death bed. Right after that, he is seen at an art exhibit of gold statuettes that were obtained by shady means, something that gets him in deep water with the African dignitary that discovers the deception. That incident serves to land him, and his right hand man, Placide, in jail.

In addition to his problems, Pierre Noix is besieged by Edwige, one of the daughters of the old man who sold the house. From her clear distaste for Pierre, Edwige falls head over heels with the man that whisks her away moments after she has told him off, to a rendezvous in Venice at one of the best hotels, where they cannot even enjoy an orgasm because of the staff's frequent interruptions.

It is no surprise that Mr. Noix is suffering a heart problem, something that is detected by a physician after Pierre's collapse attempting to stop a flight he has missed. His ambition leads him to sell all the pieces in his collection because what he really wants to buy is a rare VI century vase that has come for purchase. Edwige, who is expecting a baby, gives birth to a son, but his father is much too busy to greet his arrival. The irony of it all is that Pierre Noix would not enjoy the masterpiece he coveted.

Most of Alain Delon's scenes have him running at a breakneck speed. It is almost impossible to see him stay quiet for long. Edwige is played by Mireille Darc who was a distraction because the actress had such a blank presence in the films she played; she is an enigma in the movie. Granted, Ms. Darc is a beautiful woman, but as an actress she never projected any life to her characters. Michel Duchaussoy has much better luck than the star appearing as Delon's partner.

score 6/10

jotix100 28 February 2011

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw2392350/