The Crimson Rivers 4K 2000

At one time I was so disappointed with French cinema that it bred dislike and distrust, and so it is extremely rare that anything made in France impresses me. Recent ones include The Brotherhood of the Wolf, The Girl on the Bridge, and The Crimson Rivers. Perhaps there was something else, but somehow I can't remember it at once, but “The Crimson Rivers” is holding steady in the chart, that's a fact. Moreover, against the background of a new portion of delirious European years are gaining points, despite the ancient date of release.

The plot is decent, and how could it be otherwise, when it is based on a decent literary source? Very much so, since good books are often screened worse than ever, however. This is not that case. And let the book has a slightly different ending (!), and the digressions along the way are decent, the basic framework and idea is diligently and progressively transferred to the big screen, and embodied quite atmospherically. And the atmosphere is creepy. Deafness, slush, isolated student town, strange personalities, brutal murders with a lot of anatomical details - blood, severed wrists, cut out eyes - and all in close-up without softening, embellishments and pity for the sensitive viewer. But it's professionally done.

I am not a sensitive viewer, and with a good story, cast and a firm directorial hand, the darker the better. Depress me, scare me, inject me with adrenaline - I'll love it. And at the same time, show me Renault, nonchalant, tough, judicious, in a black leather jacket. Seriously, it's a pleasure to see him in this role - purposeful, relentless unraveling the complex case of serial murders. Nyemansa coolness, especially in contrast to the sudden outbursts of rage, his lively, intelligent look, even the desire for solitude and unwillingness to work with someone in a pair, much less teach - all this makes him not uninteresting character.
Also under him is observed Cassel, for every not bad role there are ten examples of great hackwork.

Here he is a six at the famous investigator, of whom it is often said: “I was once like that myself”. Yes, three hundred years ago. I bet Niemans was not like that even in his early youth, but the dissimilarity of the two cops plays into the movie's hands. A reserved, unsociable mentor and an irascible, inexperienced mentee, like a capricious child craving attention to his person and his ideas. Cassel's character is not stupid, but in this “pair” clearly personifies fists, which is clearly stated by the fight scene with the “suspects”, who did not have time to interrogate.

Women, they are there. Or rather one. But there is no need for more. She has harsh, “gypsy” facial features, but she is very beautiful; she cooperates with the police, but she is obviously hiding something, she does not lie and is not rude, but she answers in one-word and sparingly, she tries to avoid attention, but the investigation comes back to her again and again. Her failed romance with Niemans is more textured than many that have happened.

Bottom line: a full-bodied, strong psychological thriller about a hornet's nest being stirred up. If Evil hides in the darkness, don't assume it's gone.