La résistance de l'air

La resistance de l'air is nothing else than a bad rehash of a very good novel by James Hadley Chase: Like a hole in the head. When I saw the names behind the script, I wasn't surprised at all since they also made another bad rehash of a very good film with Les Cowboys (rehash of John Ford's The Searchers).

The film is totally empty and flat. It's also anti-climatic in so many ways. This being sold as a crime film, you expect at least that it would deliver the goods. Nothing happens. If you expect some muscles and some sparks flying, you'll be disappointed.

A reviewer pointed out how close it was to Colt 45, another french crime film. I can see why but Colt 45 is a much better film than La resistance de l'air. From what I heard Colt 45 was slaughtered in the editing room but even in its actual form it beats Fred Grivoi's picture on every level.

My advice: Forget this film. Read Chase's Like a hole in the head and watch Fabrice du Weltz's Colt 45 instead.

You sometimes have to wonder what the Germans are thinking when they (re)name some movies they release. You can not think any minute of watching this, that it is an action movie or something in that vain. While it does have some single action pieces it also has too many moments that just drag along. It feels like an overblown slow burning movie with really good actors in it.

And does it have a payoff? Me thinks not, but I reckon that is in the eye of the beholder/the viewer to judge for themselves. I don't think many will come up with a positive look on things though. It's not always about being fast paced, but you do wonder if it wasn't possible to pick it up at times and make this anything else than boring ... then again, that in itself might be the selling point for those who want something different

A couple of reviewers here are guessing that this film is inspired by the novel "Like a hole in the head" by James Hadley Chase, in that the plot is similar. I haven't read that novel, and the review is based upon the film as itself. I could find no evidence that this film at all based upon that novel, and find it ridiculous to review that film on that basis.

As a drama or thriller this film stands firmly as it is. The up-building of the story is slow, but I don't mind. The film starts off with a guy who is a master shoots-man, but with money troubles and wife troubles, Vincent Cavelle (played by Reda Kateb, who also was featured in the fabulous "A prophet"). He also has a troubled relation to his own father. Then a surprise friend turns up, offering to help.

I found the acting very good and believable, and the film made me think on several levels. How far is it from being a controlled master shooter to become a cold sniper? How easy is it to go into a complete different role, when you see the solving of all your problems?

The film is Fred Grivois' first feature film, and as such it's very good. I also found the music score to be perfect, and the film gives a noir feeling which I also like very much.

The So if you are out for a film which isn't all action, but realistic suspense and also kind of thought provoking, then give this film a chance. Well done!