The first installment of a two-part series, Killer Instinct chronicles the first part of Jacques Mesrine’s life of crime. when the gangster operated in France and Canada in the 1960s. Many aspects of the film are taken from other pictures; the film seems to be part Goodfellas, part Bonnie and Clyde, there is even a scene taken exactly from Thelma and Louise. Though the derivations – camera angles, plot elements, even a couple of nearly identical scenes – are obvious, the way that everything is deftly combined does not cheapen the film. Ultimately, there is no shame stealing from master directors like Martin Scorsese, Arthur Penn, and Ridley Scott but Jean-François Richet also redeems himself by showcasing his own skill.
Since the film is spread over a dozen years, comprised of disparate incidents from Mesrine’s life, the director must use alternate methods to maintain tension and interest throughout the film. Richet uses smash cuts consistently throughout the film to maintain momentum from one scene to the next. Another innovative technique demonstrated was the use of split scenes to show simultaneous perspectives. Early in the film, Mesrine looks at himself in a room full of mirrors, not only symbolizing introspection but showing how one person can have multiple sides.
Killer Instinct is like Goodfellas in that it combines crimes with the criminal’s personal life. It is unique in that there is no narrative to relate to the audience and link the actions together. Along with occasional pop music hits to highlight specific moments, there is a consistent low-key soundtrack to link them together. Killer Instinct is like Bonnie and Clyde because of the plot in the second half in the film. It is unique in that it uses newspaper clippings from Quebec newspapers at the time to put the events in context and acknowledge the reference.
Vincent Cassel is charasmatic and compelling as the title character. Though he portrays a violent man, Cassel also shows the character’s failings and emotions to engender sympathy. Mesrine’s verve is captured on film and the audience eagerly anticipates his next move. Co-stars Gérard Depardieu, Roy Dupuis, and Cécile de France also paint very compelling pictures of criminals who are also individuals. Despite not knowing much about the film before Friday morning, I happily await the sequel. ***½