Jean-Paul Belmondo plays a cop for the first time, and an acrobatic one at that
An adrenaline-rush of a film with spectacular and memorable action sequences
The first time Jean-Paul Belmondo played a cop; until then, he had more typically been found on the other side of the barricade. This film, written and directed by Belmondo’s loyal and very reliable collaborator Henri Verneuil, is perfectly constructed around his star charisma. To ensure a serial killer with unresolved sexual issues is brought to justice, Belmondo’s inspector frequently and with gusto displays previously unseen acrobatic athleticism. This results in some memorable action sequences: a rooftop chase with Paris in the background; another chase along the roof of a speeding Paris Mètro train; a trip hanging onto a cable dropped down from a helicopter, so that he can crash through a window. Belmondo doesn’t leave the hard work to the stuntmen. In the helicopter scene, he even held the camera to film a point-of-view shot. The public approved, and with good reason.
Detective Letelleier investigates a killer who torments women over the phone before murdering them. The list of his victims is getting longer, and each time the maniac strikes he manages to escape. Until he loses a glass eye. A clue that will help resolve the case.
Jean-Paul Belmondo plays a cop for the first time, and an acrobatic one at that
An adrenaline-rush of a film with spectacular and memorable action sequences
The first time Jean-Paul Belmondo played a cop; until then, he had more typically been found on the other side of the barricade. This film, written and directed by Belmondo’s loyal and very reliable collaborator Henri Verneuil, is perfectly constructed around his star charisma. To ensure a serial killer with unresolved sexual issues is brought to justice, Belmondo’s inspector frequently and with gusto displays previously unseen acrobatic athleticism. This results in some memorable action sequences: a rooftop chase with Paris in the background; another chase along the roof of a speeding Paris Mètro train; a trip hanging onto a cable dropped down from a helicopter, so that he can crash through a window. Belmondo doesn’t leave the hard work to the stuntmen. In the helicopter scene, he even held the camera to film a point-of-view shot. The public approved, and with good reason.
Detective Letelleier investigates a killer who torments women over the phone before murdering them. The list of his victims is getting longer, and each time the maniac strikes he manages to escape. Until he loses a glass eye. A clue that will help resolve the case.
