Crime and Consequence Collide

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MOVIE REVIEW
Hardboiled: Three Pulp Thrillers By Alain Corneau
Police Python 357  –
Série Noire  –
Choice of Arms  –

Genre: Crime, Thriller / Crime, Drama / Crime, Action
Year Released: 1976 / 1979 / 1981, Radiance Films Blu-ray 2025
Runtime: 2h 5m / 1h 51m / 2h 15m
Director(s): Alain Corneau
Writer(s): Alain Corneau, Daniel Boulanger / Alain Corneau, Georges Perec / Alain Corneau, Michel Grisolia
Cast: Yves Montand, François Périer, Simone Signoret / Patrick Dewaere, Myriam Boyer, Andreas Katsulas / Yves Montand, Gérard Depardieu, Catherine Deneuve
Where To Watch: available April 8, 2025, pre-order your copy here: www.radiancefilms.co.uk, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Crime cinema thrives on tension, unpredictability, and characters who exist in the shadows of their mistakes. HARDBOILED: THREE PULP THRILLERS BY ALAIN CORNEAU presents three crime stories, each distinct in tone yet unified by Corneau’s direction and deep understanding of character psychology. These films don’t just explore crime; they dissect the motivations, regrets, and obsessions that drive people toward dangerous choices. With a blend of psychological depth, suspenseful storytelling, and moody cinematography, this collection captures the raw intensity that defines the best crime dramas.

POLICE PYTHON 357 throws the audience into a world where trust is an illusion and danger waits at every turn. Yves Montand leads as Inspector Marc Ferrot, a dedicated yet solitary officer whose life is upended when he becomes entangled in a murder case that points uncomfortably close to home. Corneau builds tension, letting suspicion and paranoia dictate the film's rhythm. François Périer, playing Ferrot’s superior Ganay, adds another layer of intrigue as a man whose power and personal life are deeply intertwined with the unfolding events. The cinematography leans into noir-inspired shadows, reinforcing Ferrot’s isolation as he digs through corruption and deceit. Stefania Sandrelli delivers a memorable turn as Sylvia, the enigmatic woman at the center of the mystery, adding complexity to the film’s slow-burn suspense. While it provides all the elements of a gripping crime thriller—suspense, action, and mystery—the film’s real strength is its ability to blur the line between hero and suspect, making every revelation feel like a betrayal.

SÉRIE NOIRE shifts away from the calculated tension of a murder mystery and instead follows Franck Poupart, a desperate and impulsive salesman played by Patrick Dewaere. Unlike Ferrot, who operates with a sense of control, Poupart is on edge, stumbling through life with erratic decisions that drag him deeper into a mess of his own making. The film moves with a chaotic energy that mirrors his fractured psyche, and Dewaere’s performance ensures that every moment feels unpredictable. Myriam Boyer plays Jeanne, a woman entangled in Franck’s ill-conceived schemes. Bernard Blier’s portrayal of his abusive boss adds an extra level of menace to an already tense story. Corneau’s direction ensures the film never loses its bite, balancing dark humor with bleak realism. The cinematography reflects Franck’s unraveling, making even ordinary spaces feel claustrophobic and suffocating. The unpredictability of Franck’s actions keeps the film gripping, a feeling that anything could go wrong at any moment—and it usually does.

CHOICE OF ARMS closes the set with a slow-burning look at the collision of past and present criminal worlds. Yves Montand returns as Noel Durieux, an ex-gangster who has built a quiet life alongside his wife Nicole, played by the ever-compelling Catherine Deneuve. Their peace is shattered when Mickey, played by Gérard Depardieu, bursts into their lives, bringing violence and recklessness with him. Unlike the previous films, which focus on unraveling mysteries or self-destruction, this one simmers, prioritizing psychological tension over outright action. Montand’s restrained performance gives Noel an air of quiet authority, a man who understands the weight of mistakes but struggles with whether he can truly leave them behind. Depardieu’s Mickey, on the other hand, is a ticking time bomb, unpredictable and dangerous in a way that adds constant tension to every interaction. Deneuve’s presence as Nicole is elegant and grounded, serving as the story's emotional center. By prioritizing character development over spectacle, the film delivers a gripping meditation on redemption, loyalty, and the inescapability of one’s past.

Viewed together, these films showcase Corneau’s ability to tackle crime stories from multiple angles, each bringing a different energy and approach to the genre. POLICE PYTHON 357 clutches its audience with its methodical unraveling of a complex case, SÉRIE NOIRE keeps them on edge with its protagonist’s erratic downfall, and CHOICE OF ARMS offers a contemplative, tension-filled character study. Despite their differences, all three films share a deep investment in character-driven storytelling, where personal demons are just as dangerous as external threats.

This collection stands out because it refuses to follow conventional crime thriller formulas. Corneau doesn’t rely on easy plot twists or excessive action to drive tension. Instead, he trusts his characters to bring the conflict to life, letting their decisions, flaws, and struggles dictate the course of each film.

HARDBOILED: THREE PULP THRILLERS BY ALAIN CORNEAU isn’t just a collection of crime stories—it’s an exploration of human nature, the cost of past mistakes, and the uneasy space between law and lawlessness. The films may take different stylistic approaches, but they all share a commitment to intelligent, character-driven storytelling. Those who appreciate crime films that dig beneath the surface will find plenty to admire here. With standout performances, proficient direction, and a fearless approach to moral ambiguity, this collection is essential for those who like their crime thrillers with substance and style.

Bonus Materials:
High-definition digital transfers, presented on three discs
Uncompressed mono PCM audio for each film
Audio commentary by Mike White on Police Python 357
Maxim Jakubowski on Police Python 357’s source novel and adaptation (2024)
Archival interview with Alain Corneau and François Périer about Police Python 357 from Belgian Television (1976)
Série noire set interviews with Alain Corneau, Patrick Dewaere and Miriam Boyer from Belgian Television (1981)
Série noire: The Darkness of the Soul – An archival documentary featuring cast and crew on the making of the film (2013, 53 mins)
Archival interview with Alain Corneau and Marie Trintignant about Série noire (2002, 30 mins)
A visual essay about Jim Thompson adaptations for the screen (2024)
Introduction by documentary filmmaker Jérôme Wybon (2024)
Shooting Choice of Arms – interviews with the cast and crew, including behind-the-scenes footage (1981)
Interviews with Deneuve, Montand, and Depardieu from the set (1981)
Interview with Manuela Lazic on Yves Montand in the 1970s (2024)
Trailers
Optional English subtitles for each film
Reversible sleeve featuring designs based on original posters
Limited edition 80-page booklet featuring new writing by Charlie Brigden, Andrew Male, Nick Pinkerton, Travis Woods, and newly translated archival interviews with Alain Corneau
Limited edition of 2500 copies, presented in a rigid box with full-height Scanavo cases and removable OBI strip, leaving packaging free of certificates and markings

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[photo courtesy of RADIANCE FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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