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Cult Review
Senior Film Conservator
Honestly, only if you are in the mood for something that feels like it fell out of a dusty trunk in an attic. If you want high-octane thrills, look elsewhere—maybe go watch Battleship Potemkin if you need a headache. But if you like old French comedies that take their sweet time getting to the point? You might get a kick out of this.
The whole premise is just one guy being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or the right place, depending on how much chaos you enjoy.
There is something about the lighting in Le monsieur de minuit that feels like it’s trying to hide the budget constraints. It works, though. It gives the whole thing a sort of hazy, dream-like quality that makes the silly plot twists feel almost grounded.
Josseline Gaël is doing a lot of heavy lifting with her expressions here. Some of the reaction shots last so long you start wondering if the camera operator just forgot to hit the cut button. It’s kind of funny, honestly. 🕰️
It’s a bit of a relic. If you’re a fan of early talkies, you’ll find the rhythm charming. If you aren't, you might find yourself checking your phone every ten minutes. It lacks the punch of The Scar of Shame, but it isn't trying to be that kind of movie, so I’ll cut it some slack.
The dialogue is snappy, even if it feels a little staged. It’s like watching a play that just happened to have a camera pointed at it. A very enthusiastic, very loud play.
I found myself smiling at the little things, like the way the shadows stretch across the walls during the chase sequences. It’s not profound. It’s not going to change your life. But it’s a nice way to kill an hour if you just want to see some folks running around in fancy clothes. 🎩
Maybe skip the coffee before watching this one. You’ll want to be on the same slow, meandering wavelength as the movie itself.