Le mataf

It might be difficult not to think of the films of Jean-Pierre Melville when watching LE MATAF. It covers similar ground to those of the great master, but it lacks Melville's talent for telling the story. Here, we have a fast-moving narrative, including a moment or two of confusion as to what exactly is happening. Unlike Melville, Serge Leroy doesn't take time to live with the characters, or to give scenes enough time to have full impact. Undoubtedly, there are some effective moments (as with the fate of a female character, late in the film) but too much feels perfunctory (the 'romance' between Constantin and Rozier). However, there are far worse examples in the huge crime film catalog of the 1970s.

Serge Leroy 's sophomore effort for the silver screen (the first one "Ciel Bleu" seems rather interesting but is nowhere to be found)has a strong male cast :Michel Constantin,was par excellence,the tough guy of the French B movies (but in his filmography one masterpiece :Jacques Becker's "Le Trou" (1959),the best French prison movie ever made ,and no ,it's not a Nouvelle Vague work!);Georges Géret ,Pierre Santini and Adolfo -"Thunderball"-Celi provide good support;unfortunately ,Cathy Rosier is as expressive as a Barbie doll and Annie Cordy's role is underwritten.

The story is complicated instead of complex :it involves secret microfilms ,frame-ups,corrupt lawyer and lots of dollars ,plus a song by Annie Cordy .But all in all ,it's just another thriller .Leroy's next movie "La Traque" will be simpler and much more absorbing .

The title: it's explained in the movie ;a "Mataf" is slang for "sailor" who joins the navy for five years ;the connection with the movie is thin,unless the hero's ship (in the last sequence) counts

A Michel Constantin as we know him, tough and very natural. So Adolfo Celi, naturally, but less harsh and more sympathetic. The same, Georges Géret, as we know from all his movies, naturally too. Beautiful music signed by Stelvio Cipriani. It's not a masterpiece but, overall, this movie looks very realistic.

And the first movie from director Serge Leroy, who will come back to a crime film only for L'INDIC, ten years later. This is not an ambitious film but powerfully done, with conviction. It is rough, accurate in story telling and editing. I don't even speak of the acting. It is a French crime movie that can't be missed by those who like this genre. Cathy Rosier has not really hr place, unlike in LE SAMOURAI, six years earlier. Michel Constantin is as awesome as usual and Georges Geret also perfect in his hoodlum character. Annie Cordy very surprising too, in such a film. Only the ending is a bit deceiving for my taste. Only mine.

This is an icy Euro crime outing with a great cast. It's a shame Le Mataf is only available on French DVD with no English subs as 70's French crime movies are very under represented (unlike their Italian cousins). This may not have the balls out action and macho posturing of a Merli or Milian outing but Michel Constantin's crater face speaks volumes and there's an excellent safe cracking scene featuring plenty of sweat and wild camera compositions. Melville typified the sullen loner alongside hushed, whispered dialogue. The performances here mirror the maestros tone alongside the twisting narrative and laid back pacing. Stelvio Cipriani's lush score is another plus. Check it out.