The Marseille Contract

All I knew was the cast of The Destructors before I started watching it. How could a film starring Michael Caine, Anthony Quinn, and James Mason be bad? Thankfully, I wasn't disappointed. It's an extremely entertaining movie with three powerhouse actors making the most of their roles.

The start of the film shows Anthony Quinn and his lover Alexandra Stewart getting dressed after a liaison. They seem to have a loving chemistry together, but then she mentions having to go home and relieve the babysitter—she's married. It's a perfect warning for the audience because nothing's as it seems throughout the film. Tony is a policeman, and he's continually frustrated by a drug lord's escaping the legal system. Not only does the villain peddle massive amounts of drugs in and out of the country, but he and his henchman murder without any provable trace that they're responsible. Tony's fed up and decides to take matters into his own hands by hiring a hit-man.

Even more than I love the performances of the three leads—which are very good—I love Judd Bernard's screenplay. He introduces each character with a uniquely interesting scene that helps the audience gain an accurate picture. There are so many scenes I'd love to describe in hopes of getting you hooked on the premise, from the meaningful, tension-filled scenes between Tony and Alexandra to the introduction of Tony to Michael Caine—it's natural yet nerve-wracking. Both Tony and Michael are particularly yummy in this film, if you happen to think either of them is handsome like I do. James Mason has a few miles on him, but he's classy and almost regal-looking, and his sensitive expressions outweigh any bad behavior he might be getting into. If you like any of the three actors, European-styled films, thrillers with bad boys, or want to see the famous ten-minute car chase seduction that so many films have subsequently copied, rent The Destructors for a very fun weekend movie night.

Unlike some others, I really like this movie. As an American, I appreciate the Paris locations, which are well chosen. I like the Alfa Romeo Montreal that Michael Caine's character drives, an exceedingly rare and attractive model. I feel the dialog is clever and natural, and at times funny ("funguoo you!). It's interesting to see Pierre Salinger, the American statesman, in a small role and doing it well.

I feel you need to look at "The Destructors" as a group of vignettes, individually well done.While player motivations are sometimes a bit unclear,and some subplots lead nowhere, most of the main scenes are well presented. Younger people used to the slam bang action and quick scene cuts of newer movies may call it dull, but those who appreciate fine actors like James Mason, Anthony Quinn and Michael Caine may see this as a diamond in the rough. If you have a chance, catch this film on cable or at a theatre that plays older films, I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.

Unlike some other reviewers, I found this little known piece to be very entertaining. Yes, Tony Quinn over-emotes on occasion (e.g., poker scene) and his affair with Rita (Alexandra Stewart) goes undeveloped, but the story line itself is well paced, interesting and suspenseful. If you're looking for an esoteric, psychologically penetrating example of the crime drama genre, this film is probably not for you. It is, however, a 90 minute "straight, no chaser" crime caper with the obligatory chase scenes, double-crosses, romantic entanglements, etc. Is it Caine and Mason at their best? No, but they don't need to be to fulfill their contribution, individually and collectively, to the flow of the story line. Also, the not-so-well known French actors (to American audiences) cast in the film were up to the task at hand.

In conclusion, great camera shots of Paris, southern France and Marseille. In no small manner, they augmented the film's overall thrust and added an extra dimension of cinematic flavor.

I'll start by saying this is not a good film. This was probably good enough for audiences in the 1970s but it really creaks along today. The acting is often wooden. The cinematography makes poor use of the south of France location. James Mason makes no attempt to be play a French gangster and reverts to his usual film persona - he doesn't even bother with an accent. Antony Quinn is great though, particularly with the material he has to work with. His rage in the scene at the after work poker game is electric. The plot has holes but at least it sort of makes sense in the end. Overall it seems a waste of the talent in this film and the stunning locations. Having said all that I secretly enjoyed it.

Police officer Steve Ventura has tried and failed to catch Jacques Brizard – a respectable businessman who deals drugs. In his frustration he hires a hitman to kill Brizard – the hitman turning out to be old friend John Deray. As Deray starts to get close to Brizard, Ventura strengthens his case.

I watched this back to back with another Michael Caine movie – Without a Clue. In that his presence lifted an average film into something better….however here he can't manage it. In fact, three big names can't do it. The plot is straightforward and is similar to many other 1970's thrillers. The action and the characters could also be in any other of hundreds of cheap thrillers. There are few scenes that make the film interesting – Deray showing how ruthless he is on top of a building site is one of the highlights, the car chase/romance is also interesting as it was copied (but extended) for Mission: Impossible 2.

Caine appears to be in a different movie from Quinn – he's happy go lucky, enjoying romantic dinners etc while Quinn is gritting it out on the streets with informers etc. It creates a split feel to the movie – but it's better when the two come together. Neither are good enough to make the film better than average – nor is James `The Voice' Mason, who looks like he's asleep for most of it.

Overall, there are plenty of good 1970's thrillers out there that contain these actors separately (Quinn in Across 110th Street for one) – here the three can't manage to lift this out of being average and a bit dull.