Death of a Corrupt Man (1977)

Death of a Corrupt Man Poster
Original Title: Mort d'un pourri

In the middle of the night, deputy Philippe Dubaye wakes up his old friend Xavier Maréchal with disturbing news: he has just killed Serrano, a racketeer with extant political connections. Serrano kept proofs of Dubaye's involvement in corrupt dealings and was poised to use them against the deputy. Xavier readily agrees to cover up for his old pal Philippe, but he soon runs into difficulties. Nobody believes Dubaye's alibi. And everybody -- influential personalities, powerful businessmen, dubious go-betweens and the police -- wants to get hold of the documents that served to blackmail Dubaye; by all possible means...

Introduction
"Death of a Corrupt Man" is a French criminal activity thriller movie released in 1977, directed by Georges Lautner. Also called "Mort d'un pourri", this movie is based upon the eponymous novel by Raf Vallet. The plot centers around a noteworthy industrialist and prominent political figure embroiled in a deadly web of corruption and political intrigue.

Primary Characters
The lead character, Xavier Maréchal, played by Alain Delon, is a wealthy pal to François Leclercq, a substantial yet dubious industrialist played by Ornella Muti who gets linked in a political scandal. Simon Leotard, depicted by Stéphane Audran, is another vital character representing political power, bogged down in deceit and intrigue.

Plot Overview
The film begins with François Leclercq confessing to Xavier Maréchal about his involvement in a huge political bribe. He discloses this while handing over an incriminating dossier detailing this corruption scandal. However, before he can expose the grubby delicacy of this scandal, he suddenly passes away in mystical situations, which is presumed to be suicide but raises suspicions of a more ominous conspiracy.

Unfolding Mystery
Maréchal, now having the explosive file, finds himself in an entangled web of corruption, blackmail, and murder. This excellent duty initiates him to handle the duty of deciphering the maze of deceit, irrespective of the risk lurking towards him. He fixes to track the paper trail within the file and expose the depth of political corruption it suggested, making powerful enemies along the way.

Political Intrigue and Suspense
The character of Maréchal is drawn into a fascinating world of political maneuvering that paints a grim image of life at the top. He is surrounded by a menacing network of high-ranking political figures linked within the scandal, attempting to sweep the entire episode under the rug. In this fatal video game of power, Maréchal faces multiple problems like betrayals, hazards, and manipulation. Regardless of the danger, he continues his relentless pursuit of justice.

Delighting Climax
The thrilling climax begins when Maréchal strategically exposes the corrupt politicians camouflaged behind society's upper tiers. As he tightens the noose around the corruption, his life remains in vibrant danger, with threats intensifying into violence. Though the close of the film brings justice, it also delivers a stunning understanding of the deadly nature of power and corruption.

Conclusion
"Death of a Corrupt Man" masterfully illustrates the degenerate side of politics enveloped in suspense, mystery, and thrilling elements. The efficiencies, particularly Alain Delon as Maréchal, add depth to the complex plot, supplying an edge-of-the-seat experience for the audience. The film leaves the audiences contemplating the destructive impact of power and corruption and the lengths people can go to preserve their high-end status.

Top Cast

  • Alain Delon (small)
    Alain Delon
    Xavier Maréchal
  • Stéphane Audran (small)
    Stéphane Audran
    Christiane
  • Jean Bouise (small)
    Jean Bouise
    Commissaire Pernais
  • Michel Aumont (small)
    Michel Aumont
    Commissaire Moreau
  • Ornella Muti (small)
    Ornella Muti
    Valérie
  • Julien Guiomar (small)
    Julien Guiomar
    Fondari
  • Maurice Ronet (small)
    Maurice Ronet
    Philippe Dubaye
  • Klaus Kinski (small)
    Klaus Kinski
    Nicolas Tomski
  • Mireille Darc (small)
    Mireille Darc
    Françoise
  • Daniel Ceccaldi (small)
    Daniel Ceccaldi
    Lucien Lacor
  • François Chaumette (small)
    François Chaumette
    Lansac