Cast
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Jean-Paul Belmondo
as François Merlin / Bob Saint-Clar
Jacqueline Bisset
as Christine / Tatiana
Vittorio Caprioli
as Georges Charron / Colonel Karpov
Hans Meyer
as Colonel Collins
Monique Tarbès
as Mrs. Berger
Mario David
as Traffic policeman in the rain
Bruno Garcin
as Pilu
Raymond Gérôme
as General Pontaubert
Jean Lefebvre
as The Electrician
Fabrizio Moresco
as Student with Pipe
André Weber
as The Plumber
Hubert Deschamps
as Typewriter Seller
Bernard Musson
as The French Interpreter who speaks Czech
Thalie Frugès
as Publishing House Hostess
René Barrera
as The Chinese / The Bride
Crew
Director
- Philippe de Broca
Writer
- Philippe de Broca
- Vittorio Caprioli
- Jean-Paul Rappeneau
- Francis Veber
Producer
- Jean-Paul Belmondo
- Georges Dancigers
- Alexandre Mnouchkine
Reviews
JPV852
Interesting adventure-comedy started off shaky for me as the first 10-15 minutes was an over-the-top, unfunny spy spoof only to reveal it came from the mind of a novelist writing... an over-the-top spy book. Picks up from there going back and forth from the novel to real world. As a whole not great but Jacqueline Bissett was always easy on the eyes and has some nice scenes with lead Jean-Paul Belmondo. **3.5/5**
May 28, 2021
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Comedy/Romance/Action/Adventure film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Magnificent One distinguishes itself through its exceptional pacing and meaningful stakes for its protagonists.
Director Philippe de Broca brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1973, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Magnificent One took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 135 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 30 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1973, when this film was released:
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Magnificent One shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Pinwheel Without Wind, which focuses more on action than character development, The Magnificent One subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Idea Girl and A Small September Affair explore similar territory, The Magnificent One stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 23, 1973
- Runtime: 1h 35m
