The Crime of Monsieur Lange

I found myself underwhelmed by early Renoir efforts, but it's been interesting to see his artistry grow from film to film, a growth that finally found it's maturity in 1936. Wow, what a blast this was. Berry played one of the most despicable and evil villains I've seen in years and the film succeeds not just in being an awesome socialist rallying cry but as a funny, romantic and endearing dramedy as well. These are the sorts of films we need more of today.

What am I missing? Again the Renoir treatment of character goes a long way. This is rather political, popular front like. Capitalist pig could be read as an allusion to fascist europe, and all the workers are so happy and succesful after he 'died'. Then he's killed, and the girl explains the folk how come this nice sensitive artistic guy was a killer, and they let him go to freedom happily. Sick stuff.

A story of a obnoxious publisher who uses his women and gives his artists poor deals and gets killed for it. The entire movie is to justify killing him, but doesn't really do it. Not nearly enough. Sure, he's a prick, but the killing is close to unprovoked. Yet, the 'Arizona Kid' gets to run free from the law. The film does have interesting aspects to it and Jules Berry steals the show as the bad guy. And the actual good guys have close to no charisma so no wonder he can walk all over them.

I was expecting a boring dud but I was pleasantly surprised. Every element works exceedingly well, from the drama to the comic reliefs, it's really funny at times. It's only 80 minutes long, so you kinda owe it to yourself to see it. Batala, what a smug bastard. Makes me wanna revisit "Grand Illusion", which I might have rated unfavorably.

Renoir's direction is strong and the acting is great, but it's Prévert's smart script that brings this all together. Like in his collaborations with Carné he sprinkles in a bit of everything, some drama, some comedy, a touch of romance and a liberal helping of subversive social commentary that gives the character's actions extra weight. The story develops quite well and while we know more or less where it's going from the start the film really makes you care about how it gets there.

A delightful socialist-minded movie from Renoir. Primarily a comedy, but with light dashes of drama, romance, musical and thriller. All of the actors are charming, but especially noteworthy is Jules Berry as the devious Batala. Quite enjoyable, right up there with some of Renoir's best, and with his usual flair for exceptional camerawork. A bit slight and forgettable, perhaps, but it's one I would return to.

Decent but overrated crime film from Renoir with socialist messaging. Berry is excellent as the slimy con artist type villain but I felt like suspense was sorely lacking for most of the movie. I felt like the crime felt pretty unjustified ultimately. It's not a bad film by any means, but it left me wanting a lot more and wondering what all the fuss is about.

A bit naive/blunt in conception--the capitalist is the most wicked person in history while the collective's only problems involve interacting with the capitalist! That said, the form here is quite good, foreshadowing Rules of the Game in particular. Renoir's use of depth of field as well as a 360 radius for the camera in the film's most astounding shot undergirds the collectivist mindset that animates the film.

Well made, but I didn't find the plot machinations as fascinating as others. Renoir's pre-Grand Illusion films are somewhat overrated by fans, and this is no exception, but as expected there are technical compensations courtesy of Renoir's exemplary craftsmanship, and there are a few witty lines.

So, it's ok to kill anyone just because he/she is selfish and swindler? I can't believe everyone is ok with this sick idea. Or these high ratings are result of the name of the director? Sorry, I am not convinced.

87.50

Filled with playful, obnoxious and risqué humour propagated by characters that are at the same time both irritating and amusing. Batala is an overly childish satire of a dirty man, Lange an impotent freak. The story itself seems to work mainly as a vehicle for the introduction of the characters and dialogue which is a shame.

Viewed August 20, 2017.

Star Rating: ★★★★1/2

It's definitely socialist fodder - the capitalist here is "a dirty swine" as his undoer says before the ingenious filmed murder/celebration scene - but it's so elegantly told, funny, sweet, touching and romantic, that you don't care that they're a bunch of assholes.

#257

A bit of a disappointment.

"Rich and complex." - Zach Campbell

It's a successful expression of the style, but it's just not as good as some of the other poetic realist movies. It meanders quite a bit for something an hour and a quarter long, and even with all the sexual harassment in the workplace, it isn't all that involving.

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# 198