Un Flic

This is an absolutely brilliant film, a French heist flick that really delivers. Delon is perfectly cast as the hard-bitten cop who doesn’t hesitate to smack anyone around whom he thinks holds out on him. Richard Crenna, as the suave nightclub owner-master thief, is just as convincing. And it’s fun to see Michael Conrad, duty sergeant on Hill Street Blues, as the getaway driver who’s laconic and tough. Although in a relatively small role, Catherine Deneuve also hits the mark as the woman the thief and the cop both dig.nIn fact, this is a laconic tough movie, and that’s all to the good. When you see a beautiful woman administer a lethal dosage, you know you’re watching the work of a director who doesn’t flinch when it comes to portraying toughness. It’s really a shame this was Melville’s last film; it would have been fascinating to see what he would and could have done had he lived longer.nAt the same time, when you also see the tough cop playing a sentimental jazz ballad on a nightclub piano, you know this is a film that doesn’t wear its heart on its sleeve, but that definitely has one. It’s the combination of this toughness and tenderness that makes the film sing–and zing. And the train heist (of drugs, not money) is a marvel to behold.nHere’s a French film that everyone who thinks French films are all about romance or zany sex romping should definitely see. It’s unsparing, it’s stronger than dirt, and it is way cool, brother. nNab it.