"That Man from Rio" (1964): Exciting, Fun 60s Caper
I enjoy watching non-English movies that offer a glimpse into cultures other than the ones I’m familiar with. While “That Man from Rio” is as Eurocentric as they come, it has a strong French flavor that makes it very endearing. Released in 1964, it also offers a chance to enjoy the trends, culture, and ambience from that era. It has that special “je ne sais quoi,” if you will. Especially from a French perspective.
Thapson
“That Man from Rio” (1964)
In the past, French culture was central to European nobility. French arts, culture, and language were highly respected. And through their power, they spread their influence far and wide. After the War though, English language and culture replaced French in many areas. But the French need to be admired for their tremendous contribution to the arts. And in this regard, I have a soft corner for their movies. This is why I jumped at the opportunity to watch this one – especially as it stars big names like Jean-Paul Belmondo and Françoise Dorléac. More about these two later.
“But the French need to be admired for their tremendous contribution to the arts. And in this regard, I have a soft corner for their movies.”
Synopsis
From Paris, France …
“That Man from Rio” starts with the theft of a figurine from a museum in Paris by a mysterious cabal. This figurine is part of a set of three originally taken from the Amazon jungles of Brazil. One of the archeologists who had two of the other figurines is already dead. As part of the same plot, Agnès Villermosa, the daughter of the dead archeologist, is also abducted. Coincidentally Adrien Dufourquet (Agnès’ beau), an army Private, arrives in Paris for a week’s leave. Things go into overdrive as Adrien, singlehandedly, starts chasing down Agnès’s shady kidnappers. This chase takes him all the way to Brazil where he ends up traversing that country in a dangerous adventure embroiling him and Agnès with a group of people who wouldn’t hesitate to kill, if necessary.
… To Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
And it’s this non-stop pursuit and chase across the fascinating country of Brazil with continuously changing fortunes that drives the movie. You get to enjoy the ambiance of Rio, glimpse the upcoming new city of Brasilia, and venture into the Amazon as our twosome are hounded by these mysterious criminals. All this transpires within Adrien’s week-long furlough at the end of which he has to report back to his barracks. Who are these mysterious people, and what was the significance of the three figurines? And what happens to Adrien and Agnès when they discover the truth? The answers to these questions are answered in the movie which you would need to watch.
Main Cast
Jean-Paul Belmondo as Adrien
One of the greatest and best-known faces of French cinema outside of France. I heard a lot about him when I was young, but only got to see him when I watched his movies as a grown up. Fantastic action star, Jean-Paul Belmondo is famous for doing all his action scenes without a double. And this makes his performance in this movie all the more exciting. Great comic timing in that “French style” makes him a treat to watch every time he’s in the frame. You can’t help but marvel at his energy throughout the movie.
François Dorléac as Agnès Vermosa
She plays the perfect foil for the energetic Adrien in the movie. The late François Dorléac is the gregarious elder sister of the more reserved Catherine Deneuve. You can see examples of her spontaneous nature throughout the movie – especially when among the locals in Rio where she joins in the dancing. She had a promising career and things were certainly looking up when she unfortunately died, too young, in an auto accident in 1967.
My Take
“Tintin” Inspiration
Where do I start with this exhilarating movie? The first thing that strikes you is that it feels inspired from the popular Belgian “Tintin” comic books. The characters and the story seem to jump right out of those comics. Adrien’s multitalented ability resembles a mature Tintin. Then there is the travel to fabulous Brazil and all it’s locales. I’ve often seen Brazil in movies and TV, but the cinematography here is absolutely breathtaking and gives one a different perspective altogether. The movie has a fast-paced feel to it. You’re constantly on the move and there’s danger and intrigue at every turn. Fortunes reverse repeatedly which keeps you engrossed. Jean-Paul Belmondo doing his own stunts adds to the excitement and, because of this fact, the action scenes look and feel more real.
François Dorléac adds a touch of glamor in her inimitable style. She holds her own with her usual outgoing self in some scenes – a perfect foil to Mr. Belmondo’s action scenes.
Some “Bad” with The Good
The time period (60s) is an icing on the cake for me. The ethos of that era are tangible throughout. Some of the things in the movie would be impossible today. And that brings me to the premise of the movie. Much of the movie borders on the unbelievable and corny. But you need to put that critical hat away to truly enjoy this movie. It’s a movie you need to watch for the fun factor and watch it in a historical context. It’s amazing to see how Brasilia is still a “work in progress” at the time of the movie.
The bad guys come off as truly sinister and dangerous as they hardly say anything in the beginning. Thus, adding to the intrigue. The only issue I had with the movie was that, at times, it seemed to drag on a bit – especially towards the end. Maybe because we’re watching it with today’s shorter attention span. Some of the action/stunt scenes with Jean-Paul had me on the edge of my seat.
The Inspiration for Indiana Jones?
The scenes, especially in the Amazon, immediately confirmed where Steven Spielberg got his inspiration for the Indiana Jones movies.
While it occasionally takes liberties with believability, overall, I enjoyed the movie immensely. I would say, the acting, cinematography, story, and lastly the time period did it for me. Hence, I would definitely recommend this movie for you if you are like me and enjoy subtitled movies, shot in the 60s, and are willing to overlook some of the implausible stuff. And oh yes, be prepared for it to drag on somewhat, especially towards the end.
FURY / YouTube.com
I’ll be back with another movie review soon. Until then happy movie watching to you!
Last Three Posts under “At The Movies” and Similar
Strange Story of “The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane” (1976)
“Enough Said” (2013): A Surprisingly Good Movie
“The Prisoner” (1967): The Best from British TV
Complete List of TV & Movie Reviews and Similar Stuff
Thaps On the Large Screen (and the Small One)
