Rien ne va plus (1997)

Director:

Claude Chabrol

Writer:

Claude Chabrol (writer)

Release Date:

24 October 1997 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Crime | Thriller

Plot:

Betty and Victor are a pair of scam artists. One day Betty brings in Maurice, a treasurer of a multinational company...

Plot Keywords:

Money | Scam | Holiday Resort | Beach | Criminal Gang

Awards:

3 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Isabelle Huppert	...	Elizabeth / Betty
Michel Serrault	...	Victor
François Cluzet	...	Maurice Biagini
Jean-François Balmer	...	Monsieur K
Jackie Berroyer	...	Robert Chatillon
Jean Benguigui	...	Guadeloupe Gangster
Mony Dalmès	...	Signora Trotti (as Mony Dalmes)
Thomas Chabrol	...	Swiss Desk Clerk
Greg Germain	...	Chatty Man
Nathalie Kousnetzoff	...	Blond Woman
Pierre Martot	...	Conventioneer
Eric Bonicatto	...	Conventioneer
Pierre-François Dumeniaud	...	Conventioneer
Yves Verhoeven	...	Pickpocket
Henri Attal	...	Greek Vendor

Also Known As:

The Swindle (USA)

Runtime:

Argentina:105 min | France:104 min | USA:101 min

Country:

France | Switzerland

Language:

French | Hungarian

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Argentina:16 | Chile:18 | Germany:16 (bw) | Portugal:M/12 | Spain:13 | UK:15

Filming Locations:

Hotel Waldhaus, Sils-Maria, Kanton Graubünden, Switzerland

Company:

CAB

Soundtrack:

Tosca act 3

Huppert and Serrault is marvelous together in vintage Chabrol

"Rien ne va plus" is literally 'Mere nothing no more' or 'Trifle never again'. The con game is the premise, the relationship is the anchor. Go in with no expectations and be an observer to Chabrol's "The Swindle". Sit back, relax and enjoy the pairing of Isabelle Huppert and Michel Serrault -- they look so comfortable together.

He's a pro, definitely knows his con "art" and scam skills. She's a quick learner, a smart protégée. The age difference does not matter. The real relationship? Why, let it be. They are at ease with each other. Papa and daughter, business partners, lovers, whatever the relationship, they understand each other, know each other's quirks and habits, and yes, complement each other's life. C'est si bon. C'est la vie.

Chabrol does not hit you over the head with what he's trying to convey, nor give us over the top violent actions or sequences. It's like a French cuisine meal well served, no hurriedness, with connoisseur wine accompanied. We're first introduced to how the pair works together, their con artistry in low-key fashion and not overly ambitious about the profit they reap. In fact, Victor (Serrault) is a decent man, he makes sure they do not clean out the target's wallet.

Victor is alert and protective. He lets Betty (Huppert) have free rein. "You know I love you and I can live without you," he said to her when she wants to take a break -- going away for a few days before the next project. Actually Betty is trying to do a "project" on her own -- perhaps to thank Victor for taking care of her and providing the opportunities for her steady flow of income. Perhaps she wants to see how good she can be -- without him by her side all the time. Perhaps she wants to know she can make it on her own -- and bring him income vs. the usual trifle way.

Somehow Betty needed Victor's help, and unexpectedly, the pair is no longer small time con artists -- it's big time, "the administration" is involved! She meant well. He knows. He appreciates. He's attached and tries to save both of them out of the mess. Victor is such an artist at this. As we follow the pair, we eventually can tell what Victor's moves and thinking could be. We guess with him. We're afraid for him, and her -- ah, he would have.but, he would not.. Yes, that's what he would do. But, would he? Would she?

It's vintage Chabrol indeed. I remember my first Chabrol film was "The Does" (Les Biches) 1968. I noticed Isabelle Huppert when she was in "The Lacemaker" 1977 followed by "Violette" 1978 (another Chabrol). Michel Serrault played opposite Emmanuelle Beart in "Nelly and Monsieur Arnaud" -- what a gem! These French films are all pretty much for mature audience consumption. You will be able to appreciate if you can take French pace in stride.