L'Addition (1984)

L'Addition Poster

For having wanted to defend a young girl accused of theft, a comedian finds himself in prison. Embarked in spite of himself in an escape attempt, he is condemned by a particularly incompetent court which follows without thinking the pleadings of an overzealous public prosecutor! Once incarcerated, the poor comedian has to deal with the harassment of one of the guards, a kind of dangerous sociopath frustrated with life.

Overview
"L'Addition" is a French criminal offense action drama film that was launched in 1984. Denis Amar directed the movie, and Richard Berry played the lead role. The film is also known as "The Bill" in English. The plot of L'Addition unfolds in the murky underworld of Paris, showcasing the journey of a petty criminal called Baptiste who entangles himself in a spiral of violence and deceit.

The Plot
The film starts with Baptiste (played by Berry), a low level henchman who works for a Parisian mob employer called Villanova. Baptiste's life takes a turn for the even worse when he advances cash out of his own pocket to a prostitute under Villanova's protection. The woman of the street falls out with Villanova and leaves without repaying him, impoverishing Baptiste.

Baptiste, a kind-hearted man in spite of his doubtful employment, is then commanded by Villanova to kill Gomez, a competing gangster. In an effort to totally free himself from the harmful mission, Baptiste creates a strategy to fake the murder with the aid of a drifter named Francis, assuring to split the cash with him.

Twist and Consequences
Despite his typical cowardice, Baptiste's plot does not go as planned. Rather, the drifter Francis winds up in fact killing Gomez after Gomez recognizes him as a desired male. This act forces Baptiste even deeper into the criminal underworld, sparking a chain of occasions that result in escalating violence.

Complicating things even more, Baptiste falls in love with a young girl, provided as a 'gift' from Villanova. This wholehearted subplot includes an emotional layer to Baptiste's predicament, making him more cautious about his actions.

Climax and Resolution
Dealing with more examination from Villanova and examination from the authorities, Baptiste has to make hard options to secure the people he cares about. After numerous brutal encounters and conflicts, the film concludes with Baptiste making a desperate run, taken in guilt and torment for his criminal activities and the mayhem they have actually caused.

In the end, the movie concludes on a bitter note with a reflection of how one's circumstances and choices can cause unforeseeable results and repercussions, bringing the viewers back to truth away from the glamorized gangster life.

Performances and Reception
Richard Berry provides an engaging performance with a raw portrayal of an unwilling villain. The rest of the cast consisting of Richard Bohringer, Victoria Abril, and Farid Chopel placed on convincing performances that give the film a genuine police procedural feel.

"L'Addition" is a traditional criminal activity film that showcases the French underworld's complexities. The motion picture was praised for its raw representation of the characters' life, discussing the themes of regret, responsibility, and effects of one's actions in the cinematic underworld.

Denis Amar directed an impactful movie reflecting the grim reality of the criminal world and the harsh effects of unethical and unlawful activities. The movie is an engaging watch for those who value the classic French noir and the compelling criminal offense mental drama category.

Top Cast

  • Richard Berry (small)
    Richard Berry
    Bruno Vinclert
  • Richard Bohringer (small)
    Richard Bohringer
    Lorca
  • Victoria Abril (small)
    Victoria Abril
    Patty
  • Farid Chopel (small)
    Farid Chopel
    Jose
  • Jacques Sereys (small)
    Jacques Sereys
    Prison Director
  • Fabrice Eberhard
    Minet
  • Daniel Sarky (small)
    Daniel Sarky
    Constantini
  • Francis Arnaud
  • Charlie Nelson (small)
    Charlie Nelson
    Bok
  • Jacques Nolot (small)
    Jacques Nolot
    Crampon
  • Vincent Lindon (small)
    Vincent Lindon
    Magnum