Mesrine - Parts 1 & 2

Jean-Francois Richert’s 2-part French gangster biopic about Jacques Mesrine and his rise to notoriety and his encounters and acquaintances. The first part deals with the time period from the early Sixties through to the early Seventies and the period detail is excellent with the fashions, cars, etc really setting the scene and of course there’s Vincent Cassel. The second part, although enjoyable, did a drag a little but in parts but the whole thing is definitely worth a watch despite knowing the conclusion from the very beginning. As usual Cassel is outstanding in his many guises here with an ego bigger than the Eiffel Tower and his belief that he can pretty much do anything he wants regardless of the Authorities. Also a great supporting cast with appearances from Gérard Depardieu, Cécile De France and Ludivine Sagnier to name but a few.

I would say this is a must see film. Would very easily place this as one of the best films I have ever seen. A fantastic (true) story, very well acted. Could watch this again and again and again.

Sprawling 2-disc biographical recreation of the notorious French gangster Jacques Mesrine who between the years of 1962-1979 followed a life of theft, robbery, kidnap and violence becoming known as Public Enemy No. 1 and the most wanted man in France. Part one ‘Killer Instinct’ traces Mesrine’s rise into a life of crime after he leaves the French army in Algeria and returns to Paris. He has a lust for money and women avoiding no altercation in the pursuit of these and so starts off as hired muscle for an already established firm. After the demise of head honcho Guido (Gerard Depardieu) Mesrine becomes his own boss proceeding into bank robbery and despite being caught and jailed no less than 5 times total (escaping each time) he will not be detracted priding himself on his growing reputation as an honest criminal who only hurts those wishing to stop him, police, judges and anyone crossing his path. Part two tracks his rise to Public Enemy No. 1 a title given him by the press and one he lives up to. His ego during this period, the 1970’s, is running wild and despite the authorities becoming more organized and less corrupt in their pursuit of him, Mesrine blindly continues down his destructive path, one that eventually leads him to becoming a murderer and publicly vilified outlaw. The kidnapping of a millionaire was followed by the luring and violent torture of a journalist who dared to write a negative article questioning and trashing his reputation. His perpetual downward spiral eventually results in his death, the police tracking and killing him in central Paris, is long run and reign as an untouchable over at last. This is an exciting and impulsive story to watch and Richet’s version of it kept me intrigued and interested throughout the 3 hours 45 minutes. Well made, well directed and well worth it if you like the genre.

Based on a true story, the director spins the dramatization enough to hold your interest through two episodes, where perhaps the true biopic might have flagged. That said, you find yourself hating and sympathizing with this complex and often repellent character. The Algerian political backdrop is important to grasp the perverse justification for many of his subsequent actions.

I loved both these films, Vincent Cassell is an excellent actor and plays the main character really well. They are a bit violent in places but good to watch. Probably enjoyed part 1 a bit more than part 2, but you have to watch both.