Le Capital

NOT AVAILABLE ANYMORE TO STREAM ON NETFLIX. NOW AVAILABLE ON NETFLIX DVD.

Gad Elmaleh tries his hand at a film dramatique as a modern day Machiavelli, in Capital (Le Capital) directed by Academy award winning writer/director Costa-Gavras.

Although there are arguably more powerfully interesting or whimsically beautiful French choices on Netflix, we simply had to get Capital out of our system. Who could resist a story of your every day Joe Schmoe becoming your worst nightmare in the form of a bank CEO who will chew you up and spit you out in turn for his next million?

The events experienced by the protagonist Marc Tourneuil (Elmaleh) along his journey to blood sucking commander in chief are a bitter look into the minds and actions of the evil capitalists that truly walk among us. However, there is no gradual and unpredictable growth with the character of Tourneuil. We are simply forced to accept who he has become early on in the film, as opposed to finding it difficult to break our loyalty to him at his plateau.  

Still, Elmaleh does a superb job acting with his forceful and steadfast demeanor, shown  for the most part within his dark and deceptive eyes. Gabriel Byrne offers a more theatrical presence to the mix, while Mrs. Tourneuil (Natacha Régnier) contributes her soft spoken beauty, representing all that's left behind. 

When you're in the mood for something a little sociopathic, a little dark humor, or just want to watch Gad Elmaleh get serious, The Capital will be your film of choice.  

Nicole Eicholtz

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