Rive droite, rive gauche

'Rive droite, rive gauche' (1984) is the last of the 9 films in the career of director Philippe Labro. I don't know exactly why Labro, who had been a friend and film disciple of Jean-Pierre Melville, concluded his directing career at that time, while continueing to write and becoming the programing director of the RTL television station for about 15 years. Judging by this film, he mastered the secrets of the profession. 'Rive droite, rive gauche' is a political thriller combined with a romantic story, which makes very good use of a generous cast with Gérard Depardieu and Nathalie Baye in the lead roles. The reunion of the two actors who were then at the point of transition between youth and maturity is reason enough to see this film today, and it is not the only reason.

The plot is not very original, but is plausible. Paul (Gérard Depardieu) is a famous and expensive lawyer, who defends cases and people who are not always the most honest. Sacha (Nathalie Baye) is a Public Relations expert who promotes revolutionary medical products. He is married but not faithful to the marriage, she is divorced. Each has a boy about ten years old. Two 'yuppies' in the Paris of the' 80s who find themselves involved in high-level corruption business and especially fall in love inevitably and irremediably and start a dangerous connection that adds to the other complications.

The story could take place nowadays and only car brands and a 30 kilo camcorder considered very modern that does what would be done today with a mobile phone indicates that the film is made almost four decades ago. And of course, Depardieu and Nathalie Baye, who are at the peak of their physical and artistic form, arousing feelings of nostalgia for those who have known them ever since. The charm of the film is largely due to the talent and chemistry between the two formidable actors. Some of the elements of the plot could be questioned - the bad guys are very bad and without any nuance, the ending is a bit accelerated - but all in all, 'Rive droite, rive gauche' is an action and romantic thriller that passes well the proof of time.

I have always craved for Philippe Labro's movies; the late Philippe Labro who was not only a director but also a novelist, journalist, great traveler, who was present at Dallas TX November 22nd 1963...JFK day. I have always followed his filmography. Seen all his films, except maybe his first, before SANS MOBILE APPARENT. This one, which I speak about now, is not my favorite, because of a predictable plot, but there is a prestigious cast and a solid story. I did not expect less from Philippe Labro in this Sidney Lumet like plot. A deep and tough analysis of the behind the scene political affairs, the sordid side of the real life political affairs that the news often talk about.

A slightly unusual role for Gérard Depardieu in that he plays Paul, an energetic and successful young lawyer. Among his clients is Pervillard (Bernard Fresson) a rich and powerful company president, and it's while he's working for him that Paul meets a young lady, Sacha (Nathalie Baye) who Pervillard has fired for not cooperating with his sexual advances.

Even though he is married, Paul falls heavily for Sacha and risks his career by making her case public and the two of them begin an affair. When Paul's wife becomes aware of what is happening, the sparks begin to fly.

Like so many French movies, this is carefully paced rather than hurtling towards a conclusion; it needs to be savoured in order to be properly enjoyed. But, when the leading actors are as able as these four, it is more than worthwhile.