Although it bears superficial similarities to David Fincher's Seven, CRIMSON RIVERS is very much its own film and if I had to pick a film to partner it I'd choose the Christopher Lambert-starrer RESURRECTION. This is a French thriller full of Gallic charm and style even if it covers familiar ground and the technical qualities are strong enough to make it stand on its own merits. The film has a strong structure, initially cutting between two separate and seemingly unconnected story lines. Jean Reno (LEON) is on hand as a tough-as-nails detective hunting down the killer of a man found tortured to death, his body hung from a mountain. Vincent Cassel (EASTERN PROMISES) is an unorthodox cop looking into a case of desecration. Before too long, the paths of these cops intertwine and then the film gets really good, thanks to this central pairing.
The buddy-buddy cop idea is as old as the hills but Reno and Cassel are two fantastic actors who breathe new life into it. Watching their verbal and physical sparring is delightful. Reno plays it subdued and brooding while Cassel is wonderful given a rare opportunity to shine in a good guy role for once. Really, the serial killer story is merely the background for these two fine Frenchmen to do what they're made to do. The story itself is adequate, but the climax suffers from being rushed and too confusing, leaving many viewers scratching their heads and wondering just what has been going on. The eventual twist is also rather outlandish. Still, this doesn't matter, because the movie never stops being entertaining.
The bleak and chilly surroundings reminded me of INSOMNIA, while the instrumental soundtrack adds heaps to the suspense. There's an undercurrent of sadism and themes of Nazism and genetic engineering that give this film its dark heart. There are also some nice action set-pieces, including an excellent car chase that breathes life into the tired film cliché, and a fun fight between Cassel and a couple of thugs that doesn't fit with the rest of the movie but which I enjoyed all the same. A film that works purely because of the strength of the two main actors involved, CRIMSON RIVERS is a lot of fun and a highlight of the genre.
The buddy-buddy cop idea is as old as the hills but Reno and Cassel are two fantastic actors who breathe new life into it. Watching their verbal and physical sparring is delightful. Reno plays it subdued and brooding while Cassel is wonderful given a rare opportunity to shine in a good guy role for once. Really, the serial killer story is merely the background for these two fine Frenchmen to do what they're made to do. The story itself is adequate, but the climax suffers from being rushed and too confusing, leaving many viewers scratching their heads and wondering just what has been going on. The eventual twist is also rather outlandish. Still, this doesn't matter, because the movie never stops being entertaining.
The bleak and chilly surroundings reminded me of INSOMNIA, while the instrumental soundtrack adds heaps to the suspense. There's an undercurrent of sadism and themes of Nazism and genetic engineering that give this film its dark heart. There are also some nice action set-pieces, including an excellent car chase that breathes life into the tired film cliché, and a fun fight between Cassel and a couple of thugs that doesn't fit with the rest of the movie but which I enjoyed all the same. A film that works purely because of the strength of the two main actors involved, CRIMSON RIVERS is a lot of fun and a highlight of the genre.