blessed movie
Much has been written about Philippe de Broca's « L'homme de Rio ». That Hergé's « Tintin » albums inspired the film. That, when Spielberg wanted to adapt « Tintin » to the big screen, it was because of « L'Homme de Rio » in mind ; that, when he created Indiana Jones instead, he was again inspired by « L'Homme de Rio ».

« L'Homme de Rio » is a blessed movie : the perfect blend of adventure and comedy ; so much chemistry between the two lead actors that it works even when the script tears them apart, i.e. during most of the film ; great pacing, only surpassed by nearly miraculous sense of timing.

Movie was released on 1963, therefore probably shot in 1962. Brazil still was a land of wonders on the other side of the world. The sights of Copacabana and Corcovado were not worn out postcards. Rio was no poster-city for drugs, violence and « favelas ». Jean-Paul Belmondo could befriend a young boy without suspicions of pedophilia.


For more on "L'homme de Rio":
http://forgivemyfrenchfilms.blogspirit.com/archive/2006/06/15/francoise-jean-paul-go-to-rio.html

For more on French cinema:
http://forgivemyfrenchfilms.blogspirit.com

A Wonderful Film
Having grown up reading Hergé's Tintin adventures, I was thrilled to see his/their influence in this wonderful rollercoaster ride of a movie. The great actor Jean-Paul Belmondo is in fine form, and the look of many scenes as well as many plot points can all be traced directly to Tintin albums.

The movie has the fun 1960's feel to it, with the 60's colors, musical soundtrack, etc. Don't let the fact that you have to sit through English subtitles put you off from enjoying this fun French film.

My only regret is that it is not out on DVD in the U.S. This gem of a film deserves Special Edition treatment, perhaps with extras tying it into to specific Tintin albums? Bring on a DVD release!

Fine Introduction to Glories of Brazil
As someone who worked in Brazil for two years during the sixties, I enjoyed this film and its scenes of that beautiful country enormously. The hilarious story only added to the pleasure.

C'est Magnifique!
The first foreign language film I ever saw was "That Man From Rio" and it was a great way to start. I went because it had been billed as being in the style of Hitchcock's "North By Northwest". There are superficial similarities, but the French film is more than capable of being judged on its own merits - of which there are many. It certainly has its tongue farther in its cheek than Hitch ever managed.

A great deal of the film's success is due to the charisma and sheer star quality of Jean-Paul Belmondo, then in his prime and thoroughly enjoying himself. He seems to be constantly on the move - running, jumping, climbing, fighting - pausing only to deliver a droll line of dialogue or two or to share a kiss with the delectable Francois Dorleac (sister of Catherine Deneuve and, in my opinion, far sexier).

The plot - some nonsense about lost treasure - begins in Paris, then takes a rollercoaster ride to Rio, the eerie cityscape of (then new) Brasilia, and on into the Amazon jungle. Cliche after cliche is employed and parodied - and done as well or better than in the subsequent Bond films. Through it all, Belmondo is the perfect comic book hero - dirty, confused, bloodied, but never out of breath and always triumphant.

After going for too many years without seeing this film, I was delighted to finally find it on video. And equally pleased to confirm that it has lost none of its fun or charm. In fact, in many ways, it seems considerably less dated than many American or British films from the same period. This may be because director Philippe de Broca, while very inventive, does not overdo all the sixties camera tricks and artsy techniques so fashionable in that decade. "That Man From Rio" is a joy to watch and still one of the best comedy/thrillers ever made. I cannot praise Belmondo or de Broca enough. And I can only lament that Francois Dorleac's career was cut so tragically short.

Excellent - but remember it's a spoof!
The advice is simple - don't take it seriously and you'll enjoy it immensely! The scenarios are quite improbable which enhances the spoof effect. Very erotic too, but not a sex scene or even a naked body in sight.

And let's be honest - the luscious Lola would turn any red-blooded male into a hood!