I'll admit that the movie does tend to come apart in its concluding Canadian sequences, but they are so extravagantly handled and come to such a unique finish, this is only a minor flaw in this very superior suspense outing. Mind you, the plot does have some holes, but the pace is so fast and the atmosphere so intense, few will notice. I'll also admit that – with the notable exception of the cliff-top scenes as well as most of the other Dubois footage – the film is not as noirish in its atmosphere as it might be. For some reason, possibly to contrast with Montand's heavily dramatic hero, Balmer's police detective is presented in rather a light manner (no shadows in his scenes) and is likewise enacted in a far less dramatic style (almost flippant, in fact). Although outclassed by the venomously neurotic Dubois, Canadian actress Carole Laure is perfectly cast as the nice girl, the innocent in Montand's heavily dramatic life.
Some critics would argue that the hero is too inventive for his own good and far too imaginative to sustain the reality of the plot. Nonetheless, thanks to Corneau's excitingly incisive direction, and his suspenseful script (co-written with Daniel Boulanger), plus a great deal of money upfront, "La Menace" fully lives up its title.
In short, a superbly gripping thriller from first until almost last. Superbly photographed too – and on some hair-raising locations!
Some critics would argue that the hero is too inventive for his own good and far too imaginative to sustain the reality of the plot. Nonetheless, thanks to Corneau's excitingly incisive direction, and his suspenseful script (co-written with Daniel Boulanger), plus a great deal of money upfront, "La Menace" fully lives up its title.
In short, a superbly gripping thriller from first until almost last. Superbly photographed too – and on some hair-raising locations!