Vidocq (2001) - Visual ecstasy in an addicting and diversified story - 10/10 (30/09/11)

Vidocq is a masterpiece and easily amongst the best movies of the last decade. There are several reasons for this but the most stunning one is the visual beauty of this movie that gives this flick an artistic, atmospheric and also surreal touch. I have never seen a movie before or after this one by Pitof that was so breathtaking from a purely visual point of view. All those experts that hail rather superficial movies such as "Matrix", "Inception" or "Avatar" should watch this one and get a good lesson about how modern films can be made without being too commercial, too soulless and too much filled with stereotypes. Note that this was also the very first feature film shot with the Sony digital 1080p 24 fps cameras to reach the screen.

Off course, a good graphic can't save a film if the rest is mediocre. This leads me to the second act of brilliance within this masterpiece which is its thick and authentic atmosphere. The camera positions, the reconstruction of fascinating city between glamour and dirt, life and death, money and poverty and the great music featuring the Cello rock band Apocalyptica add a lot to the intensity of this movie. From the first moments on, you are into the movie and won't get out of it before a little bit more than one hour and a half. The movie is detailed but still gets to the point and has no unnecessary side stories, stereotypical love tales or anything else which seems just perfect to me.

A third convincing point is the story that features some truly original murders, a couple of diversified and mysterious characters and a couple of twists in the end that may take you by surprise because to see them coming. I really thought that the ending was brilliant and better than any closure of a suspense movie or psycho thriller I have seen in a while.

As a fourth point, Vidocq also mixes an addicting crime story, some adventure movie parts, suitable action scenes and a couple of drama sequences with a magic fantasy story that is still rather grounded than just exaggerated. The fact that this potpourri of styles works so perfectly makes this movie once again unique from a different point of view.

All of this would guarantee a high rating about eight points but the two missing points are brought by the brilliant and convincing actors in the movie. From the young and naive role played by Guillaume Canet over the fatale femme role of Inés Sastre up to the desperate and rough character performed by Moussa Maskri, every single character has an addicting and unique style. The presence of the famous Gérard Depardieu is an entertaining detail and could help to attract a bigger and much needed audience that should not miss this movie.

In the end, Vidocq excels on every level. It's sad that there hasn't been more movies of this kind because when I saw this film back ten years ago I was sure that it would influence and change the way movies are done in our world but it ultimately didn't. Still, I don't understand the reasons why because the movie is as stunning and modern today as it was in 2001. I could have also imagined that computer games in the visual style of Vidocq could have been made. If anything of this may one day happen, if there is a movie or game similar to the style of Vidocq, I will be the first to watch and purchase it. Vidocq is a milestone of the cinema for me. If you haven't seen this movie yet, don't make the mistake to wait and forget to check this out. This is one of those movies one must see at least once in a lifetime.