L'aventure c'est l'aventure

L’aventure, c'est l'aventure is a French-Italian classic, directed by Claude Lelouch. This movie premiered in 1972 and left a lasting impression on the cinematic world. Three well-renowned actors Lino Ventura, Jacques Brel, and Charles Denner, brought the characters to life and stood at the center of the extraordinary tale this movie tells.

The movie explores the lives of five petty criminals who aspire to leave behind their life of mischief and instead, shift into a world of legitimate business. Quite unusually though, these criminals decide to continue using their crooked approaches to achieve success even in the world of legal business, transforming ordinary settings into a parade of laugh-out-loud scenarios.

Led by Ventura as Jacques, the undisputed head, the crew, which includes Brel as Gabriel, and Denner as Simon, aim to exploit the seventies' political climate. Presented as a satire, the movie places these characters in hilarious, exaggerated situations to reveal the absurdities of our institutions and societal expectations.

The film commences with our group planning and plotting their day-to-day crimes, in scenes that combine humor with stimulating intrigue. However, the plot takes a turn when the group lands in a sequence of high-stake cons — from becoming pop stars, negotiating ransoms, to choosing to kidnap diplomats over magic trick shows. Their ventures show us a clear portrayal of morality contrasted by a comic lens, seamlessly tying laughter and critical perspectives.

In L’aventure, c'est l'aventure, Lelouch aptly uses humor as a tool to question and critique the societal norms of the time. He presents a humorous view of the passion, treachery, and even the blatant absurdities entangled in concepts such as business, politics, and societal expectations. Lelouch's direction, teamed with the actors' stellar performances, provides a refreshing deviation from the serious and intense undertones many crime films carry, making the film profoundly entertaining while also subtly thought-provoking.

Among the three leads, Lino Ventura shines through with his charismatic presence and bravura performance. As the gang’s leader, Jacques, he presents a unique blend of wit and physicality that lends to the light-hearted current of the film. Jacques Brel excels as Gabriel, the group’s dreamer, brilliantly embodying the essence of a man perpetually caught between reality and his lofty aspirations. Then there is Charles Denner as Simon, the smart and resourceful member of the gang, who beautifully uses his character's cleverness to add another layer of humor to the narrative.

The resounding success of L'aventure, c'est l'aventure, does not solely rely on its trio of talented leading men. A stellar supporting cast and an innovative storyline move at an agreeable tempo, ensuring the audiences never feel disengaged from the unfolding narrative. And while bleached in humor, the film packs significant contrast that holds essential thought— it is a comedy of its time and for its time, forefronting familiar aspirations of a better life through peculiar means.

The film’s cinematography deserves special praise, beautifully capturing the essence of the era and adding an exceptional dimension to the storytelling. The breathtaking shots combined with a brilliant score beautifully rendered by Francis Lai, not only tantalize the senses but also give the movie its unmistakable feel – a combination of breezy humor, affecting drama, and sharp satire.

L'aventure c'est l'aventure weaves a unique tale that addresses serious issues whilst making audiences laugh out loud. While it was made a few decades ago, its comic yet profound take on societal norms and the charming performances by the lead actors make it timeless.

In summary, L’aventure c'est l'aventure is a thoughtfully crafted satire that promises to entertain, provoke thought, and remain memorable, much like the echoes of its atypical title. With a mix of comedy, crime, charming performances, and a delightful musical score, it's indeed a film that conveys a subtly powerful message: In the adventure of life, it's always the adventure that counts.