Serie Noire

"Serie Noire" is a compelling French thriller from 1979, directed by Alain Corneau and starring prolific French movie star Patrick Dewaere, along with Myriam Boyer and Marie Trintignant. This film is based on the pulp novel by Jim Thompson "A Hell of a Woman" and is renowned for its dark and moody ambiance that encapsulates the essence of 70s French cinema.

In "Serie Noire", Patrick Dewaere plays the role of Franck Poupart, a desperate and doomed door-to-door salesman whose dreary existence is devoid of happiness. Franck plies his trade in the bleak, seedy suburbs of Paris, selling cheap products to uninterested residents. He's a man on the edge, fighting against an oppressive existence steeped in poverty, isolation, and hopelessness. Dewaere's role as Franck is one of the most powerful aspects of this film, with his portrayal of desperate despair and frustration being both haunting and mesmerizing.

The movie's narrative takes a dramatic turn when Franck, during one of his house-to-house ventures, encounters Mona (played by Marie Trintignant), a young, beautiful, but silently rebellious girl who lives with her tyrannical and grotesque aunt (Myriam Boyer). Franck's encounter with Mona evokes an unwanted protectionism and affection inside him, giving the film its emotional core. Trintignant is outstanding in her role, bringing to life a character that represents the perfect embodiment of innocence, bleakness, and fear.

"Mona and her aunt live in squalor, amassing wealth from the woman's past questionable activity", sounds like a perfect plot to exploit for Franck and so, he seizes upon an ill-conceived plan. This plot thread draws viewers into a dark and filthy vortex where greed, deception, and treachery are everyday realities. The story of Serie Noire takes us deep into a world populated by desperate characters who are barely surviving.

Director Alain Corneau expertly captures the crushing bleakness of Franck and Mona's world, delivering a stark commentary on poverty and social decay. His settings are stripped of any trace of glamour or romance. Instead, they portray a harsh world where survival is paramount. Corneau's direction, combined with Pierre-William Glenn's notable cinematography and the unforgettable jazz score by Philippe Sarde, captures the soul-crushing bleakness of the characters' lives.

One of the most essential elements of "Serie Noire" is the incredible cast. Patrick Dewaere brings an immense amount of intensity and desperation to the role of Franck. His raw, edgy performance provides a believable and deeply harrowing portrayal of a man on the brink, showcasing a vulnerability and emotional openness that sets him apart.

Marie Trintignant is equally powerful as Mona; she emanates a haunting innocence, trapped in a world she can't escape. Her connection with Franck is more than just provision and protection – these two desperate characters connect on a visceral level, sharing a deep understanding of their shared predicament. A special mention must be made about Myriam Boyer, who characterizes the repulsion, ruthlessness, and vulgarity of Mona's aunt to perfection.

"Serie Noire" is unquestionably one of the most memorable films from the 1970s. While it's a gritty and bleak noir film, it's also a deeply affecting psychological drama portraying characters who are tiered and struggling. This movie masterfully presents the dark underbelly of Parisian society, bringing the characters' desperation to life in the most poignant of ways.

"Serie Noire" is a masterpiece of 70s French cinema. The film provides an uncompromising look into the lives of individuals on the fringes of society. With its mix of dark humor and stark realism, Corneau balances the harshness of the narrative with moments of genuine humanity. The film's raw emotion, powerful performance, and gritty realism ensure its standing as one of the great entries in French film noir. Although it is a tragic and devastating portrait of lives in disarray, "Serie Noire" retains an undeniable magnetism that draws the viewer in and refuses to let go.

Whether you're a fan of classic cinema, hard-boiled noir, or simply a devotee of masterful storytelling, "Serie Noire" is a cinematic journey that you won't forget. It's a film that balances hard-hitting social commentaries with deeply human personal tragedies, crafting a riveting story from beginning to end. This movie holds a mirror to society, presenting a raw, unflinching view of a world that most prefer not to see. And that's precisely what makes "Serie Noire" an enduring masterpiece.