Flic Story

For those who didn't know the criminal history of France : Emile Buisson, born in 1902, started his robbers' life during the 30's, with his older brother. He get married, but his wife and their child died while he was in jail. And after this tragedy, Buisson became a killer. From jailhouses to asylums, Buisson finally escaped in 1947. For three years, almost 20 people were murdered, coldly, brutally shot by Emile. All victims of robberies, or thieves suspected for betraying Buisson. He was the first one in France to be called "P.E.n°1". It's these three years which are counted in "Flic Story". The young inspector Borniche had a lot of work to do in order to arrest Buisson. And he succeeded in 1950. And that wasn't the end. For four years, every crime was studied, dissected. In 1954, Buisson was condemned to die. Twice. On the dawn of February 28th, 1956, in the Santé Prison, M.Obrecht, the executioner, released the guillotine's chopper on Buisson's neck.

But if Borniche hadn't wrote his book, nobody would even remember about Buisson. The book is really good. So is the movie. Trintignant is probably too cute to play Buisson, but he gives a real performance : a real dead cold assassin. You have to like Delon, of course, even if he is great as Borniche ! (I think he is unbearable !) A good police movie !

The best performances for both Trintignant and Delon, based on a true story dig in the criminal files of the French police. Classical, nothing unexpected but so brilliantly made, pulled by excellent acting and directing. Trintignant told later that he disliked the character he played here, so far from his own sensibility; and that's precisely for this reason that's his performance is awesome. The true definition of a true actor, who can play characters totally different from himself. Don't miss his glance, his terrific and terrifying glance, maybe more terrifying than the real Emile Buisson himself. One of most cold blooded killer that the movie- and not only French - industry has ever shown. Great ending too.

It's refreshing to watch a movie that gives the impression someone actually wrote a script about a story they wanted to tell and the story makes sense. It doesn't happen so often nowadays when most movies are self-indulgent; open-endedly boring or patronizing.

Delon and Trintignant, two of the biggest French stars of the 70s are respectively Borniche (the cop) and the killer-robber Buisson. The story is told in a linear way - thank you! - without special effects and only one car chase, short and realist enough.

Borniche is a top detective charged to find Buisson, a cold-hearted, pitiless criminal who escaped from prison. Loosely based on a real story - the chase lasted several years - Borniche is a sort of good cop, interested only in justice and reprimanding is "bad cop" colleagues, while there isn't much justification for Buisson violence. Therefore, the moral compass isn't too skewed.

I watched this in French and being my first Delon/Trintignant film, I was disappointed only by their ordinary, unsexy voices. Trintignant was especially chilly as the criminal, Delon convincing as the quiet cop, violence was few and far between and even more shocking because shown in all its meaningless brutality.

It so happened for me to watch it at the age of 54.

Had no clue whatsoever about this film.

In my book it is one proof too many that police / crime thrillers are no longer conceived in this fashion.

For the mere reason that film industry is going down the drain.

And it is a pity.

Do yourself a favour and watch it.

Regardless your generation.

Keep the flame of worthy film watching, lit.

Cheers.

one of films who are more than a good one. because it gives more than good story, inspired performances, tension or credible dialogues. first - it is an admirable thriller. than - the work of Jean -Louis Trintignan is impressive , because he does a not real comfortable role in a subtle manner. the presence on screen, in same film of Ranato Salvatori and Anton Delon reminds the air of Rocco and his brothers by Visconti and that detail is important for a part of public. not the least, it is a real story who has the chance to be presented in the right manner, the atmosphere being recreated in wise manner. a film who has useful demonstration of few legendary actors. and who suggest a kind of portrait's sketch of evil.in same measure, the scenes behind Buisson's catchment and the habits after the moments of Borniche and Buisson are more than interesting.