Despite the fact that I possess an almost no ability to speak French and I watched this without subtitles, I quite enjoyed myself.
Starting in an old dark house where the story of Fantomas is recounted by one of the guests this movie shoots through the old dark house cliches before zipping off into other areas of crime drama. Fantomas, a hooded fiend is wanted by the police, who despite seemingly powerless to catch him make a valiant effort to do so. You'll forgive the lack of details, but as I said I was hampered by not speaking this films language.
Despite my lack of understanding, this is a beautiful movie and seems to be light years ahead of what was being done in Hollywood at the same time. There are camera moves, shots from interesting angles and technical wizardry that few directors were attempting here in the States. The acting is great. I may not have understood much of what was being said but I didn't need to, the performances told all I needed.
And best of all the mystery is pretty good too. Sure some of it comes off as bit silly, but its fun, which is all that matters.
7 out of 10. (Rating subject to finding this with subtitles)
Starting in an old dark house where the story of Fantomas is recounted by one of the guests this movie shoots through the old dark house cliches before zipping off into other areas of crime drama. Fantomas, a hooded fiend is wanted by the police, who despite seemingly powerless to catch him make a valiant effort to do so. You'll forgive the lack of details, but as I said I was hampered by not speaking this films language.
Despite my lack of understanding, this is a beautiful movie and seems to be light years ahead of what was being done in Hollywood at the same time. There are camera moves, shots from interesting angles and technical wizardry that few directors were attempting here in the States. The acting is great. I may not have understood much of what was being said but I didn't need to, the performances told all I needed.
And best of all the mystery is pretty good too. Sure some of it comes off as bit silly, but its fun, which is all that matters.
7 out of 10. (Rating subject to finding this with subtitles)