The second half of the Mesrine saga is much stronger than the first. And it seems that the paunchier he gets and the more ridiculous his hair is, the more authoritative Vincent Cassel’s presence becomes. In this second part, Mesrine is developed into a complex, interesting character, and Cassel brings him to life with a manic malice that is always visceral and affecting. He is untouchable to like 99% of other actors. Richet directs this with some throwback swagger. It felt like a cool movie from the 60s that got lost in time.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Short Round: Mesrine: Public Enemy #1 (2008) ****/*****
The second half of the Mesrine saga is much stronger than the first. And it seems that the paunchier he gets and the more ridiculous his hair is, the more authoritative Vincent Cassel’s presence becomes. In this second part, Mesrine is developed into a complex, interesting character, and Cassel brings him to life with a manic malice that is always visceral and affecting. He is untouchable to like 99% of other actors. Richet directs this with some throwback swagger. It felt like a cool movie from the 60s that got lost in time.
