Watch Nuits Rouges
- PG
- 1974
- 1 hr 45 min
-
6.1 (522)
Nuits Rouges is a 1974 French film directed by Georges Franju. The film follows the investigation into a series of bizarre murders that have occurred throughout Paris. The film stars Gayle Hunnicutt as Julie, an American journalist who becomes embroiled in the investigation after the murders hit close to home. The supporting cast includes Jacques Champreux as her colleague, and Josephine Chaplin as a museum curator.
The film opens with a scene of a man being chased through the streets of Paris by an unseen assailant. The man is eventually caught and killed, but not before screaming out a bizarre phrase that sets the tone for the rest of the film: "Nuits Rouges!" We then cut to Julie, who is covering a fashion show for her newspaper. She is approached by her colleague, David, who tells her about the series of murders that have been happening around the city. Julie is initially dismissive, but her interest is piqued when David reveals that one of the victims was a mutual friend of theirs.
Julie and David begin to investigate the murders, with Julie also doing her best to avoid the advances of a creepy diplomat named Maréchal. As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that there is more to the murders than meets the eye. The victims all had connections to a mysterious museum, and the murderer seems to be leaving clues behind at each crime scene.
The pacing of the film is deliberate and often slow, with most of the action taking place in dimly lit museums and abandoned buildings. The cinematography is moody and atmospheric, with lots of shadowy corners and eerie lighting. The score by Maurice Jarre is haunting and minimalist, heightening the tension in many scenes.
One standout sequence occurs when the investigators sneak into the museum after hours, searching for clues. They are pursued by a group of robed figures who seem to be part of some sort of secret society. The scene is tense and creepy, with the robed figures stalking the investigators through the darkened corridors of the museum.
The film's climax takes place in a decaying mansion, where the murderer is finally revealed. Without giving too much away, the killer's identity is a surprise, and the final confrontation is suspenseful and satisfying.
Overall, Nuits Rouges is a stylish and eerie thriller that will appeal to fans of classic horror films. While the pacing may be slow for some viewers, the film's moody atmosphere and solid performances from its cast make it a worthwhile watch.