Le disque 413: Old school mystery or just a headache?

Is it worth your time?

If you like movies that feel like a damp, dimly lit room from the 1930s, you might get a kick out of Le disque 413. It is not for the person who needs high-speed pacing or clear-cut heroes. If you hate plot threads that seem to go nowhere or actors who look like they are perpetually squinting at a teleprompter that doesn't exist, skip this one.

It’s the kind of film where the plot relies on a recording that everyone is chasing but nobody really explains properly. It reminded me a bit of the frantic energy found in Masked Emotions>, though with way less charm.

Notes from the couch

The pacing is… well, it is a choice. There is a scene about thirty minutes in where the wife is just standing near a doorway, and the camera lingers on her face for an eternity. It felt like the director forgot to yell cut. I actually checked my watch. It was a solid fifteen seconds of just staring.

• The lighting in the spy chief's office is surprisingly moody, even if the set looks like it's made of cardboard.
• Every time someone mentions the "disk," they look terrified, which is honestly a bit funny after the fifth time.
• The dialogue is stiff. It’s like the writers were allergic to contractions.

There is a strange lack of chemistry between the leads. When they are supposed to be conspiring against the husband, they act more like two people waiting for a bus in the rain. It’s awkward. It’s kind of endearing in a weird way, like watching a neighbor try to assemble IKEA furniture without the manual.

Some of the background extras in the club scenes look absolutely miserable. I swear one guy in the back row is just counting his fingers while the lead singer is doing her big dramatic number. You don't get that kind of accidental comedy in Dance Pretty Lady>, that’s for sure.

The whole thing collapses a bit toward the end. The mystery of the recording just stops being the focus, and it turns into a standard chase that feels like it was filmed in someone’s garage. Still, I didn't turn it off. I think I just wanted to see if they'd ever actually play the damn record.

They don't, really. Or maybe I missed it while I was distracted by a fly buzzing near my lamp. Who knows. It’s that kind of movie. 🤷‍♂️