CHRIS THURMAN: A French murder mystery caper to enjoy, but it’s still a worthy one
Comedy is mixed with menace in ‘Le Parfum Vert’, which follows a couple on the run from the police and a gang
Since 1895, when the Lumière brothers first screened the motion pictures they had produced with their new invention, the cinématographe, France has been uniquely positioned in the global film industry. The French language is embedded in the terminology of the movies: from film noir to cinéma vérité, and mise-en-scène to Palme d’Or.
French directors and actors labour in the tradition of Jean Renoir and Jean-Luc Godard, of Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve. It can be a burdensome reputation; there is also plenty of stigma attached to French films. Do they always have to be worthy, moody, quirky, pensive, obscure? Is there no place for the lighthearted caper, the action-packed but easily digestible thriller?..
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.