Monsieur Hire (1989)

A stylish French tragic romance and mystery from Leconte that has largely gone unnoticed
Living as an odd, obsessive-compulsive (though well-dressed) middle-aged hermit, drier than an accountant in the Mohave, and given to creepy "Rear Window"-styled voyeurism of an attractive woman in his building (Bonnaire), Mr. Hire (Blanc) makes for the perfect suspect in the recent murder of a young girl in his neighborhood. The who-dun-it takes an even stranger turn when Bonnaire begins to readily cooperate with having an audience - and then turns up as the uninvited flirt in Blanc's apartment. Suddenly, the motives, strategies and fates of Bonnaire and Blanc have become the larger mystery. The viewer watches as both mysteries slowly unravel - and good causes for sympathy with Blanc emerge.

Blanc delivers a strong performance in his creation of both a distasteful and admirable character within this single role. Bonnaire is both competent and seductive.

A film that has largely escaped notice, almost 20 years-old and only DVD-released in 2007. Monsieur Hire is a remake of Duvivier's Panique (1948), a film not found in retail circulation.

Especially recommended for admirers of the French romance genre.

Finally on DVD

This is one of those great but little seen foreign films that I managed to catch on Laserdisc probably 15 years ago. Great that it's now out on DVD. Strange, different story, told well..good transfer, okay audio.

Overlooked Masterpiece
I know many people who have never heard of this film. What a shame. First time I saw this was on my VCR years ago and I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. Sandrine Bonnaire is enchanting, perhaps even hypnotic in her portrayal. Michel Blanc is just right for his part of the obsessive male lead. Recently saw Vertigo which is about obsessive love and although different I much prefer Monsieur Hire. This movie reminded me of Vertigo as far as mood and Bonnaire totally eclipses Kim Novak