Greed in the Sun

Greed in the Sun, originally known as "Cent mille dollars au soleil" in French, is a classic adventure film from 1964 that blends action, camaraderie, and betrayal against the harsh and unforgiving backdrop of the Sahara Desert. The film, directed by Henri Verneuil, stars French cinema icons Jean-Paul Belmondo, Lino Ventura, and Reginald Kernan, and it's celebrated for its breathtaking desert cinematography and gripping storyline.

Set in the scorching sands of Northern Africa, Greed in the Sun takes viewers on a journey through the treacherous and unforgiving terrain of the Sahara Desert. The plot centers around the world of long-distance truck drivers who are the lifeline of the desert, transporting goods through difficult and often perilous routes to various outposts and cities that pepper the otherwise barren landscape.

The story unfolds with Rocco (Jean-Paul Belmondo) and his older friend, Hervé (Lino Ventura), working as truck drivers for a company owned by Steiner, a tough and seasoned businessman portrayed by Gert Fröbe. The friendship between Rocco and Hervé is put to the test when a get-rich-quick scheme presents itself. The plot thickens when Steiner places his trust in Hervé to transport a valuable cargo: a brand-new, top-of-the-line truck filled with $100,000 worth of goods across the desert to a distant depot.

Rocco, however, fueled by ambition and the promise of easy wealth, decides to betray his friend and employer by stealing the truck and setting off across the desert hoping to sell the goods for his own profit. With a deep knowledge of the terrain and unmatched driving skills, Rocco believes he can outsmart everyone and make his fortune before anyone can catch up to him.

Hervé, who maintains a deep sense of honor and loyalty, cannot let this betrayal go unchecked. Despite the apparent insanity of chasing someone across such a dangerous landscape, he becomes determined to pursue Rocco and retrieve the stolen truck. Hervé's pursuit quickly turns into a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game as he and Rocco confront the brutal elements and all the dangers the desert has to offer.

The story's tension is heightened by the stark contrast between Rocco's brash youthfulness and Hervé's seasoned experience. Rocco is impulsive and daring, eager to take risks and push the limits, while Hervé is methodical, resilient, and wise to the ways of the desert. Their dynamic becomes a central focus of the narrative, as the viewer is invited to ponder the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and the personal codes that guide each man's actions.

The desert itself is as much a character in Greed in the Sun as the drivers. It is depicted in all its formidable glory — landscapes of endless dunes and rock, the relentless sun beating down from above, and the stark isolation that amplifies every decision and mistake. The film's cinematography captures the grandeur of the setting and the loneliness of the long-distance trucker life, where the next oasis might be a mirage and every decision can mean the difference between life and death.

Director Henri Verneuil successfully weaves in themes of morality, economics, and existentialism into the high-speed chase, questioning whether wealth can indeed bring happiness or if it's a siren call that leads only to desperation and sorrow. The narrative also explores how the inherent greed of human nature can challenge the strongest of bonds and how the seductive allure of money can lead to conflict and betrayal.

Greed in the Sun is punctuated by its thrilling action sequences involving robust trucks maneuvering through treacherous conditions. The tension is maintained through a combination of skillful acting, Verneuil's adept direction, and the unforgiving, awe-inspiring Saharan setting.

Excellent performances by Belmondo and Ventura bring their characters to life, lending the film a sense of depth and realism. Their chemistry and the evolution of their relationship are pivotal to keeping audiences engaged throughout the movie's runtime.

It's essential to note that while Greed in the Sun is an adventure-filled ride, it also serves as a reflection of human ambition and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve their dreams. It asks audiences to consider what truly matters in a world where morality can seem as shifting as the desert sands.

As a piece of cinema from the 1960s, Greed in the Sun is also notable for being a bridge between older styles of filmmaking and the emerging New Wave that was poised to revolutionize French cinema. The movie stands out as an entertaining, thought-provoking film that remains a beloved classic to both French and international audiences.