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Another Criterion Collection Masterpiece

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Victor Khomenko

Here is another great release - man, am I enjoying that collection!
This one is by Bertrand Tavernier, who gave us such marvels as "Life and Nothng But". The film is Coup de torchon (1981).
This long (over two hours) film is nothing but sheer enjoyment. What does it bring to memory most? Why, things like Eating Raoule and Montenegro - two of my beloved movies. I don't want to drop that much overused term black comedy here, but if you like that genre, then please consider the Coup. You will not regrett, even if the film is much too deep to fit under this label.
It is delightfully set in Western Africa before the WWII and makes good use of two trully greats - Philippe Noiret and Isabelle Huppert.
Noiret's place on movie Olimpus is completely assured, and he is tremendous in this film. On the scale of 0 to 100 is is doing his usual 110, and what a treat it is to watch this subtle actor!
Isabelle, ah, Isabelle, that spoiled girl of French cinema... who hasn't fallen in love with you? While she managed to play ladies on both sides of the watershed, her true call is in playing lovable bad girls.
And so incredibly lovable she is here too. Is this her best role? I don't know - I have seen many, but definitely not all of her films, but never mind that silly "best" thingy, just delve into her performance here, for it is so delightful and natural that the spell is overpowering. Truckloads of joy and fun.
The chemistry between the two actors is undeniable, and they both seem to enjoy their screen relationship. Between the two, she is definitely better known to the US public, so she may be a good hook to make more people introduced to Philippe.
My strongest recommendation for two hours of tasteful and slightly exotic entertainment.
BTW, how come that film is not mentioned on the Criterion page?

Follow Ups:

Criterion John_N 17:31:53 06/27/01 (6)
Victor,
Criterion is very slow in updating their web site.
A better choice for up-to-date Criterion information is:
http://www.criteriondvd.com/home.asp
This site is not affiliated with Criterion, but does keep up-to-date on all Criterion releases, firm release schedules, and other work in progress.
If you use the Order link, you can review a list of existing dvd's with a shopping price comparison between various web merchants.
John_N
- Re: Criterion Dmitry 13:09:16 06/28/01 (1)
  John, thanks again for the Outlaw answer. I'm ordering it today!
  - Re: Criterion John_N 22:29:22 06/28/01 (0)
    Dmitry, the people at Outlaw have shown over and over again that they want each customer to have a good experience with their company and their products. This means that if you have ANY CONCERNS WHATSOEVER with the process: before the order, while waiting for delivery, or after delivery, DEFINITELY CONTACT THEM with your concerns (by e-mail). THEY WILL ANSWER ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS.
    Congratulations on your product choice.
    John_N
- Re: Criterion Victor Khomenko 17:50:40 06/27/01 (2)
  I looked there. Unfortunately there is no release date for the Children of Paradise - and my weif (thanks, Herg...) is getting restless.
  You might want to check "Closely Watched Trains" when it comes out, if you have not seen it, tons of fun.
  Very good list...
  - Re: Criterion John_N 22:13:25 06/27/01 (1)
    Thanks for the "Closely Watched Trains" recommendation. Criterion disks are among my favorites. I have 57 from their current dvd catalogue with another 4 on order. They were very slow in releasing new titles last year, and I was hoping to catch up with most of their catalogue. However, this year the frequency and quantity of their releases has severely taxed my budgetary resources.
    - Green with envy Victor Khomenko 07:10:22 06/28/01 (0)
      57? So I have a lot of catching up to do. Better get busy. BTW, the Trains I have on tape, so if you want I can let you watch it so you could decide whether you want to buy it.
      I am glad to see their catalog grow, and wish them all the luck. There are few there that I have no idea why they are there, but that is not too important. I would not mind about 80% of their list.
      What do you think is the best place to buy their product? I know Amazon sometimes has sales on them.
- Thank you, John. (nt) Victor Khomenko 17:40:28 06/27/01 (0)
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