Watch Le Matou

Le Matou is a French-language Canadian film released in 1985 which is based on the novel "Le Matou" written by Yves Beauchemin. The film was directed by Jean Beaudin, starred actors such as Serge Dupire, Monique Spaziani, Jean Carmet, and was produced by Roger Frappier and Pierre Gendron. The film was well received with the audience and critics alike and received numerous awards.

The film is set in the 1930s, and the story revolves around Samuel Archibald, a journalist, who returns to Quebec City after many years of wandering around the world. He rediscovers his hometown and immediately falls in love with a girl named Isabelle. However, he is not the only one who is interested in her; his old friend, the eccentric, wealthy, and powerful businessman Le Matou, also has his sights on Isabelle.

Samuel realizes that Le Matou has tangled himself deeply into the criminal underworld, which includes organized crime and the Catholic Church. As Samuel becomes more and more entangled in the web of deceit, he finds himself pulled into a dangerous game of greed and betrayal.

The film delves deep into the themes of love, greed, and the suppression of freedom of speech. Throughout the film, we see how the characters are struggling with their own demons and how they are conflicted between their desires and responsibilities.

The characters in the film are well-developed and nuanced, and their interactions are often complex and layered. Samuel is a compelling protagonist who is driven by his love for Isabelle, but also by his desire to uncover the truth about Le Matou's operations. Le Matou, on the other hand, is a morally ambiguous character who seems to be both charming and ruthless at the same time. Monique Spaziani's portrayal of Isabelle is equally captivating, and her subtle performance is one of the highlights of the film.

The cinematography of the film is breathtaking, with picturesque shots of Quebec City's narrow streets and iconic landmarks. The film's pacing is deliberate, with some scenes moving at a slower pace but ultimately adding to the film's overall atmosphere of moody tension.

The film's score is also noteworthy, featuring a haunting and memorable soundtrack that adds to the film's overall ambiance. The song "Le Matou", which was composed by Robert Charlebois, has become something of an anthem and is still widely recognized today.

In conclusion, Le Matou is a well-crafted film that manages to explore deep and meaningful themes while also providing an engaging and suspenseful story. The film is a testament to the power of storytelling and the abilities of the actors and filmmakers involved in bringing Yves Beauchemin's novel to life. Le Matou is a classic of Canadian cinema and deserves to be watched by anyone who loves a good thriller.