Fantômas (1964)

The 1964 film "Fantômas" is an action/adventure-comedy film directed by André Hunebelle, one of the important names of the French New Wave cinematic movement. The film is the first part of the trilogy and stars famous actors such as Jean Marais, Louis de Funès, Mylène Demongeot and Jacques Dynam.

The film focuses on the return of Fantômas, a former French criminal, who causes a new wave of crime filled with thefts and murders. The film tells the story of Fantômas, a Paris-based criminal mastermind who robbed the rich all over the country and formed a gang. Police inspector Juve tracks down Fantômas and struggles to catch him. However, Fantômas has many faces and it is unclear who he is. Teaming up with a brave journalist, Fandor, Juve hatches a plan to reveal Fantômas' true identity. The film is known for its suspenseful story and artistic cinematic features of that period.

The movie is full of comedic elements and over-the-top action sequences. The inspector character, played by Louis de Funès, is one of the funniest and most memorable characters in the movie. The movie "Fantômas" has an important place in the history of French cinema and still continues its influence in popular culture.

The 1964 movie "Fantômas" has no national or international awards. However, the movie was hugely popular in France and performed well at the box office. The "Fantômas" trilogy is widely regarded as one of the classics of French cinema, and the success of the film led to sequels to the trilogy. The film's influence was also seen in French crime films and action comedies in later years.

There is also some interesting information about the movie. Let's share some of them here.

• The film was released in both French and English and was a huge box office success in many countries.
• The lead actor of the movie, Jean Marais, was also the ex-husband of the famous French writer Colette.
• Gurn, a gang member of Fantômas, is one of the first zombie characters to appear in the movie.
• The film brought a new dimension to the crime genre in world cinema and inspired many crime films in the following years.
• The soundtrack of the film was composed by the French composer Michel Magne, and the classical music piece "Fantômas Theme" has become synonymous with the film.

Following the success of "Fantômas", two more sequels were made between 1965 and 1967: "Fantômas Unleashed" and "Fantômas Against Scotland Yard".

Director : André Hunebelle
Writers : Pierre Souvestre(novels), Marcel Allain (novels), Jean Halain (screenplay)
Director of Photography :Marcel Grignon
Music : Michel Magne
Production : 1964 - France - 104 m.
Genre : Adventure / Comedy / Crime

CAST :

Jean Marais

Louis de Funès

Mylène Demongeot

Jacques Dynam

Robert Dalban

Marie-Hélène Arnaud