The Fall of the American Empire

Wow! Starts out like just another crime caper, but develops into one of the most serious movies ever... Almost life-changing!

What a director Denys Arcand is - all the way from "Jesus of Montreal" to this superb classic. It is truly a magnificent plot that manages to have its cake and eat it too in that we are dealing with more or less petty crime in the context of larger social crimes. To me the lead roles come off so well because of fine performances - there's a humanity here at work that truly appeals to me. Alexandre Landry as a naive philosophical type who hasn't really got a clue but is kind-hearted and Maripier Morin as sex worker as clever as they come drew me in deeply. The highlight the social context which Arcand is at pains to adumbrate without it overwhelming the story's unfolding into something one might describe as worthwhile and meaningful for an audience whilst also being suspensful. Montreal and Quebec are served well by such productions.

I had to give this movie a better rating than the current average score.

Why? Because I really got entertained!

I liked the characters, I liked the story, and I, for sure will have to see more from this director!

I loved this story of a way over-educated nerd who's filled with Marxist claptrap making a conscious decision to steal bagfuls of cash. Typical of Arcand, the film is very talky, but in a dry and deadpan way that is quite amusing. It's a funny version of Dostoevsky by way of Godard and Woody Allen.

If you liked what Denys Arcand did before you should like this movie. So first of all, I'm not a fan of the title, because it might hint that's it's a sequel to the "Déclin" which it is not. (Although Girard and Curzie play in both movies, but it's not the same characters.) They should have kept the original title "Triumph of Money". You will find in this movie very good dialogues, good action and a feel good sentiment at the end. There is a lot of cameos from various Quebec actors. Landry delivers a strong performance, his character, a very intelligent but naive man who seems to despise the world but who's always trying to help the poor and the disenfranchised. Morin is surprisingly good especially since I think it's her first role (and she's wonderfully pretty). Girard, who plays a biker that just got out of jail, is good as usual, (although I felt that some lines could have been from "Les Bougons") and of course I loved Curzie who's playing a crooked investment advisor. Personally, I think it might be my favorite Arcand so far. "Le Déclin" was funnier though. I strongly recommend this movie!