Happy New Year

Happy New Year is a 1987 dramatic comedy film directed by the celebrated French director Claude Lelouch. The film stars Peter Falk, known for his role on the television series "Columbo," and the veteran character actor Charles Durning. The movie stands as a testament to Lelouch's talent for crafting intricate human stories that inspire and move viewers, unraveling the layers of human nature and relationships with remarkable subtly.

The film's backdrop is the beautiful cityscape of New York, providing a grand canvas for the story to unfold. Falk and Durning showcase an interesting dynamic, playing professional small-time crooks who specialize in jewel theft. Falk features as Nick, an experienced con artist with age-old tricks up his sleeve, and Durning, as Charlie, his loyal and equally crafty partner-in-crime.

The plot introduces us to the unconventional yet captivating lives of these seasoned thieves who have a keen eye for sparkly, high-value jewels. Their creative methods for stealing and evading the law is portrayed with a good dose of humor and suspense that makes the narrative engaging.

A significant twist in the plot comes when they set their sights on an enticing diamond - one that's difficult to pursue but promises to be well worth the risk. The jeweled target is brilliantly studded in a high-security store owned by a Turkish gem merchant, played by the accomplished actor Mehmet Polat.

A pivotal part of the movie’s charm lies in how Lelouch builds up the anticipation with his unique storytelling technique. The progression of the plan, the deceptions, and the machinations involved in the heist pull the viewer in effortlessly. It is during this that Brigitte Rouan, playing a lonely, middle-aged woman, enters the story and adds an extra layer of complexity to the plot. As her relationship with Nick evolves, the movie winds through unexpected course, making the viewer question the true nature and loyalties of the characters.

Deftly blending elements of comedy, drama, and suspense, Happy New Year delivers a series of surprises the viewers never see coming. The interactions among the characters reflect on the classic theme of human greed, desperation, deception, and the complexities that arise from them. The film also offers an appealing heartwarmth that stems from the witty and pointed dialogue, enhanced by the stellar performances from the cast.

Claude Lelouch's oddball crime film showcases its lead actors in fascinating roles that are as unforgettable as they are engrossing. Falk's charming personality in the character of Nick is both edgy and endearing. Durning, on the other hand, provides a stabilizing influence, delivering a performance that aptly complements Falk's dynamic portrayal.

The film's aesthetic mirrors Lelouch's unique approach to the genre, capturing the essence of New York from a European perspective, and resulting in a visually pleasing experience. Furthermore, the brilliantly executed blend of tension and humor, along with moments of human connection, well-paced story development, and a finale that does not disappoint, makes it an enjoyable cinematic journey.

The nuanced soundtrack further enhances the cinematic experience, intertwining seamlessly with the plot. The music selection, which ranges from jazz to Turkish folk music, creates an eclectic blend of cultural flavours that elevate the movie's ambiance and assist in accentuating the emotional highs and lows.

In conclusion, Happy New Year is a well-woven story with multi-dimensional characters that is filled with humor, suspense, and emotional nuance. The film is a refreshing departure from Hollywood's typical crime-heist narrative, as it focuses more on the human side of the protagonists, portrayed by Falk and Durning, while still delivering the thrilling elements that make the genre popular. For fans of either of these accomplished actors, Lelouch's signature style, or the heist genre, watching Happy New Year is a must.