Police (1985 film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motion picture |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Founder | Maurice Pialat (director), Catherine Breillat (screenwriter) |
| Products | Film |
Police is a 1985 French crime drama with neo-noir elements, directed by Maurice Pialat and featuring performances by Gérard Depardieu, Sophie Marceau, and Sandrine Bonnaire. The screenplay, penned by Catherine Breillat, centers on a disillusioned police detective who investigates a narcotics operation and becomes entangled with an enigmatic woman, resulting in a perilous plan. The movie attracted 1,830,970 viewers in France.
Plot
Set in the Belleville neighborhood of Paris, the story follows Mangin, a widowed detective committed to breaking up a drug trafficking network managed by Tunisian siblings. He apprehends Noria, the partner of an incarcerated gang member, for questioning. Although she refuses to divulge information, Mangin finds himself intrigued by her and invites her to join him at a nightclub.
Following an attack that leaves a gang member hospitalized with stab wounds, he entrusts Noria with access to his stash house. There, she discovers cash and heroin, which she secretly removes. Pressured by the criminal group, Noria denies any involvement yet offers herself to Mangin. He agrees to take her on as an ally but cautions that she must return the stolen money and drugs to avoid serious consequences.
Noria recovers the bag for Mangin, who then restores it to the Tunisian gang at their local bar. They assure him of their cooperation. Despite Mangin's professed affection and protective efforts toward her, Noria eventually departs from his life.
Cast
- Gérard Depardieu as Louis Vincent Mangin
- Sophie Marceau as Noria
- Richard Anconina as Lambert
- as Marie Vedret
- Sandrine Bonnaire as Lydie
- Frank Karoui as René
- Jonathan Leïna as Simon
- Jacques Mathou as Gauthier
- Bernard Fuzellier as Nez cassé
- Bentahar Meaachou as Claude
- Yann Dedet as Dédé
- Artus de Penguern as Inspector
Production
In 2023, Sophie Marceau publicly addressed inappropriate conduct by Gérard Depardieu during the film’s production, specifically referencing an incident during a bedroom scene where Depardieu crossed professional boundaries.
Reception
Critic Richard Brody from The New Yorker characterized the film’s reissue as a "severely realistic drama," emphasizing its unfiltered depiction.
Accolades
At the 1986 César Awards, the film earned nominations for Best Editing and Best Actor (Depardieu). Additionally, Depardieu received the Best Actor award at the 1985 Venice Film Festival for his portrayal of Mangin.