Rue Barbare (1984) // Gilles Béhat
Here's an odd one. This is a simple film with a simple story. There's nothing wrong about its editing, set design or cinematography . There's nothing exceptional either.
The acting is over-the top and that tips the scales in a very interesting way. Think of a bland, boring platter which is solely cooked to feed you. Now, add some fancy exotic spice on it and savour the most bizzare, uniquely delicious combination you've come across. Rue Barbare is a bit like this experience, without bringing anything exotic to the table.
If you ever had the chance to thrift and read French graphic novels (BD) from mid to late '80's, you'd know about the unrelenting violence, the manic energy, the dark humour and the exaggerated characters. Rue Barbare feels like a strict adaptation of one of those books. Presenting a post apocalyptic crime world that sits right next to the French banlieue, the film works beautifully as a raw, unapologetic, , cheap, efficient and utterly pointless box office vehicle.
Recommended for B movie lovers.
