French 'Trilogie' ranges from noir to comedy

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

•	'La Trilogie I, II, III' Unrated, adult situations and themes

Of French and Belgian origins, all the stories are set in the French city of Grenoble, and lead actors in one film may have a minor role in the others. And while the tales crisscross and ultimately form a logical trilogy, the works are stand-alone entries that can easily be enjoyed singly.

Or maybe not.

It's sort of a repertory concept common in stage companies, when one roster of players take roles in an umbrella of plays, with varying effects and results. Like "Lord of the Rings," all three films were done simultaneously — so the look and feel seem familiar. Logically, one should approach each film in the intended chronology.

Well, maybe not.

Part one, "Cavale (On the Run)," is the darkest and most political, with kind of an espionage, terrorist-riddled, story with film noir flavors. Belvaux plays protagonist Bruno La Roux, an extreme left-winger who escapes from prison and is intent on seeking revenge, reversing betrayals and ultimately fulfilling a long-standing obligation. He's a master of disguise, elusive, quick-witted and very much a survivalist. His slogan and belief is, "Life's worth nothing; it's what you do with it." Repeatedly, this notion comes into play as he puts his life in jeopardy — but he soon realizes that a lot has happened in the 15 years he's been in the slammer.

Part two, "Un Couple Épatant (An Amazing Couple)," is the lightest of the fare, a romantic comedy about a working stiff, Alain (François Morel), who thinks he's dying after speaking with his doctor, and fears his wife Cecile (Ornella Muti) is trying to kill him; she, in turn, believes he's having an affair because of his errant behavior, and she hires cop Pascal Manise (Gilbert Melki) to follow him; but the investigator falls for her. Facts may not be what the appear to be, and yes, appearances are very deceiving — so poor Alain has to keep changing his will, depending on his hypochondria. It's a comedy of misconceptions, but not played with the usual hilarity of an American counterpart.

Part three, "Apres La Vies (After Life)," is again on the darker side, about Pascal (Melki), the same policeman in "Couple," scoring drugs for his addict wife, Agnes (Muti). Because there are character overlaps from part two, there are recurring scenes that yield a mood of deja-vu. Part of the mix is the fugitive character, Bruno (Belvaux), in a secondary story thread, and ultimately the film explores issues of misconduct and loyalty, right and wrong, truths and consequences.

The dialogue is in French, with English subtitles.