Le secret

David (Jean-Louis Trintignant) escapes from captivity, killing a guard in the process.  He flees to the countryside, where he meets Thomas (Philippe Noiret) and Julia (Marlène Jobert) living a quiet existence in a remote house.  David tells them he knows a secret he dare not reveal, and that “they” are out to get him.  Though Julia has doubts, they agree to hide him and eventually try to help him escape to Spain.  But David’s paranoia is contagious, and with the truth always hidden in the shadows, they start to deceive and mistrust each other.

America wasn’t the only country putting out paranoid thrillers in the 70’s, and this one by French director Robert Enrico (who I assume is best known for An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, later aired as a “Twilight Zone” episode) is as tense as any.  Throughout the film it is unclear if David is really the target of a conspiracy or simply nuts.  “If he’s crazy, he’ll kill us… if he’s not, they’ll kill him” says Julia.  Enrico holds back information, or drops misleading clues, to keep the suspense amped up and the viewer wondering which way it will go.

It’s not really exceptional in any way, but it’s a fine film.  Trintignant doesn’t play it jittery or spastic, but with a nervous caution, always alert.  Noiret is affable with a hint of sadness, a feeling that as risky as the situation is, he’s getting a bit of a charge out of the adventure.  Jobert (who, when seen in color, bears a strong resemblance to Shirley MacLaine) is complex and intelligent.  The group dynamic is interesting to watch as it strains under the increasing pressure.  Morricone delivers a good score… not one of his best, but there are a few haunting bits.  It’s a smart film with a sense of creeping dread and uncertainty.  The only serious misstep is an awful bit of explanatory narration for the coda.  Rating: Very Good (82)

IMDb