Our March Selection of French Films on TV5MONDE Cinema on Demand
Throughout March, TV5MONDE Cinema On Demand is supplying us with some flicks that will surely send a chill down your spine. From Guillaume Canet's eerie performance as a serial killer who's actually a police officer working on the case, to an every day realtor who uses elaborate disguises to impersonate his clients, viewers can enjoy a selection of edge-of-your-seat cinema all month long.
La mécanique de l'ombre (2017)
In French with English subtitles. Available beginning March 15
The riveting François Cluzet plays a vulnerable everyman caught up in something more powerful than he could have ever imagined.
Unemployed and nearly broke, Duval accepts a job offer from a mysterious employer who wants him to transcribe tapped telephone calls.
“The ominous chill of the sound design and decent work from an impressive cast help to create an atmosphere that sucks the very oxygen from the cinema as the tension mounts."- Observer UK
Directed by: Thomas Kruithof
Cast: François Cluzet, Denis Podalydès, Sami Bouajila
Genre: Drama
La prochaine fois je viserai le cœur (2014)
In French with English subtitles. Available beginning March 22
Based on a true story, Cedric Anger brings to light a tale that will truly make your skin crawl. Guillaume Canet shows incredible range, while the writing keeps you glued to the screen.
Franck, an unassuming young police officer, is none other than the dangerous psychopath who has been killing women for months. Now, appointed to investigate his own crimes, Franck tries to cover his tracks.
“Though not a horror film in the gory or jumpy sense, this 2014 portrait of a serial killer is chilling in its intimacy." - Chicago Reader
Directed by: Cédric Anger
Cast: Guillaume Canet, Ana Girardot, Patrick Azam
Genre: Drama
Un illustre inconnu (2014)
In French with English subtitles. Available beginning March 15
After Mathieu Kassovitz's breakout role La Haine, the director/actor emerges as a notably bizarre chameleon type character that keeps you guessing. Framed by a beautiful soundtrack and impressive hair and makeup, Un illustre inconnu is a psychological adventure.
Sébastien Nicolas, a seemingly dull realtor, uses makeup and prosthetics to impersonate his clients in his free time. When he meets a reclusive violin maestro, Sébastien decides to take on his most daring role ever.
“An intense thriller with passionate plot twists and a Mathieu Kassovitz at his finest." - Reforma
Directed by: Matthieu Delaporte
Cast: Mathieu Kassovitz, Marie-Josée Croze, Diego Le Martret
Genre: Drama
De guerre lasse (2014)
In French with English subtitles. Available beginning March 22
Tony Soprano isn't the only one with family problems of the mafia persuasion. For an insight into the grittier side of Marseille, tune in to Olivier Panchot's action packed roller coaster ride.
Alex, the son of a Marseille mafia boss, joins the French Foreign Legion to escape retribution from the Corsican mob. When Alex returns four years later to search for his love, the Corsican mob resumes their hunt.
“Marseille inspired many directors, but not many managed to grasp the diverse and crude dimension of the city without falling into clichés like De guerre lasse did" - Le Parisien
Directed by: Olivier Panchot
Cast: Jalil Lespert, Tchéky Karyo, Sabrina Ouazani
Genre: Drama
Contre enquête (2007)
In French with English subtitles. Available beginning March 8
Dujardin thrills in the compelling crime fiction that delights audience on the edge of their seats, jaws dropped.
After receiving a series of intriguing letters from the man convicted of murdering hisdaughter, Captain Richard Malinowski begins investigating whether his daughter's killer is truly guilty.
"Only leaving a few clues here and there, the director put us in the mind of a broken man, never putting us ahead of his investigation." MCinéma
Directed by: Franck Mancuso
Cast: Jean Dujardin, Laurent Lucas, Agnès Blanchot
Genre: Drama
Flic story (1975)
In French with English subtitles. Available beginning March 1
For the film lovers who want a dash of vintage, Flic Story offers elegant performances and seamless editing for its time. Enjoy with a brandy and cigar.
Based on a true story, Detective Borniche must track down the violent serial killer, Emile Buisson, who escaped from a psychiatric facility in 1947.
Directed by: Jacques Deray
Cast: Alain Delon, Jean-Louis Trintignant, Marco Perrin
Genre: Drama