Three Men to Destroy (1980)

Three Men to Destroy Poster
Original Title: 3 hommes à abattre

A man helps the victim of an auto accident, not realizing that the man has actually been shot. The men who shot him are now after the man who helped him, in order to eliminate him as a potential witness. Soon they are killing everyone he even comes in contact with in order to get him.

Introduction
"Three Men to Destroy" (originally entitled "Trois hommes à abattre") is a 1980 French crime-thriller movie directed by Jacques Deray. It stars Alain Delon, who also co-wrote and co-produced the movie, as the lead character, Michel Gerfaut. The film centers around Gerfaut's entanglement in a conspiracy and his mission for survival and justice. The title refers to the objective he undertakes to bring justice to the 3 men accountable for the deaths of his friends. "Three Men to Destroy" is an adjustment of the 1976 novel "On ne meurt que deux fois" by Jean-Patrick Manchette.

Plot Summary
"Three Men to Destroy" begins with Michel Gerfaut, an expert bettor with an enthusiasm for vehicles, rescuing a guy that seems an auto accident victim. Unbeknownst to Gerfaut, the guy is actually the target of an expert assassination. By conserving the male's life (or a minimum of delaying his death), Gerfaut accidentally positions himself in the crosshairs of the three assassins who were charged with eliminating the male.

As the plot unfolds, Gerfaut rekindles a relationship with an old flame, Barbara (played by Dalila Di Lazzaro), who works at a fashionable club. The 2 reawaken their love for one another, but their happiness is temporary. The 3 assassins order Gerfaut to leave Paris right away and claim that they will spare his life if he does not interfere with their objective. Yet, Gerfaut declines and attempts to get to the bottom of the plot in order to safeguard himself and Barbara.

The movie advances to reveal a wider conspiracy including the 3 killers, a high-ranking police officer named Chaperon (played by Michel Auclair), and a strange business magnate named Beaumont (played by Pierre Dux). Gerfaut finds that his prospective assassins work for a powerful and secretive company that will go to any lengths to safeguard its interests.

Action and Suspense
"Three Men to Destroy" is filled with thrilling action and thriller series, including numerous hair-raising cars and truck goes after, shootouts, and close encounters with Gerfaut's opponents. Delon is engaging as the cool and resourceful protagonist, using his exceptional driving skills, cunning, and ability to remain one action ahead of his pursuers to avoid capture and death.

Themes and Subtext
While the film can be delighted in merely for its action and intrigue, "Three Men to Destroy" consists of much deeper styles and subtext that set it apart from lots of other criminal activity thriller movies. A recurring style throughout the film is the humanity and empathy of its lead character, Gerfaut, who is depicted as ethically sound in spite of his occupation as a gambler.

In addition, the film's expedition of political corruption and the role of effective companies in controling and managing occasions uses an interesting and timely commentary on the nature of power and the lengths to which those in power will go to secure their interests.

Conclusion and Legacy
"Three Men to Destroy" is a gripping and thought-provoking film that showcases Alain Delon's talents as an actor, author, and manufacturer. Its appealing plot and memorable characters have made sure that this film remains a classic example of the criminal activity thriller genre.

While not as well-known worldwide as some other Alain Delon movies, "Three Men to Destroy" has actually attained cult status among fans of European crime movie theater and is thought about an emphasize of Jacques Deray's long and successful profession as a director. The movie stays a testament to the enduring appeal of criminal activity thrillers that integrate action, thriller, and wise storytelling.

Top Cast

  • Alain Delon (small)
    Alain Delon
    Michel Gerfaut
  • Dalila Di Lazzaro (small)
    Dalila Di Lazzaro
    Béa
  • Michel Auclair (small)
    Michel Auclair
    Leprince
  • Pascale Roberts (small)
    Pascale Roberts
    Mme Borel
  • Lyne Chardonnet (small)
    Lyne Chardonnet
    L'infirmière au dossier
  • Jean-Pierre Darras (small)
    Jean-Pierre Darras
    Chocard
  • Bernard Le Coq (small)
    Bernard Le Coq
    Gassowitz
  • François Perrot (small)
    François Perrot
    Etienne Germer
  • André Falcon (small)
    André Falcon
    Jacques Mouzon
  • Féodor Atkine (small)
    Féodor Atkine
    Leblanc
  • Yvan Tanguy
    Hervé