How to Make a Killing

In the charming yet unremarkable setting of the mountains, Michel, portrayed by the talented Franck Dubosc, and his wife Cathy, played by the brilliant Laure Calamy, have settled into a life of routine that they find both comfortable and stifling. Their years together have been filled with tranquil moments and simple joys, but lately, they have felt the weight of monotony pressing down. Just as they thought their lives couldn't get more predictable, fate intervenes in a most unexpected way when a bear unexpectedly darts in front of Michel’s car. In a bizarre turn of events, not only does the bear cause an accident that results in the untimely deaths of two drug dealers, but it also leads to the revelation of a staggering €2 million hidden loot that drastically alters the couple's fate.

The ensuing chaos spurs Michel and Cathy into a whirlwind of moral dilemmas as they grapple with the temptation of keeping the money for themselves. Despite their typically honest and straightforward lives, the couple finds themselves enmeshed in a complex web of deceit as they choose to cover up the incident. What begins as a clumsy attempt to navigate their new reality soon spirals into a darkly comedic series of events, as each attempt to maintain their innocence only draws them deeper into trouble. Their lack of experience with crime leads to humorous mishaps, showcasing a side of Michel and Cathy that is both relatable and laughable, as they clumsily attempt to juggle their principles with the allure of wealth.

As their plan unfolds, it becomes evident that their initial greed has unleashed a torrent of unforeseen consequences, including an inexplicable trail of dead bodies that keeps piling up around them. The couple's amateur efforts to evade suspicion attract the attention of a determined inspector who is hot on their trail, further complicating their lives. The film deftly combines elements of thriller and dark comedy, pitting the everyday couple against a backdrop of crime and chaos, ultimately exploring themes of morality, desperation, and the slippery slope of decision-making under pressure. With their future hanging in the balance, Michel and Cathy must navigate a treacherous path not only to protect their newfound riches but also to preserve their lives and marriage in this unpredictable adventure.

Main Cast of How to Make a Killing

Franck Dubosc delivers a compelling performance as Michel in the dark comedy "How to Make a Killing" (original title "Rogue City," or "Bronx" in French), where he embodies the complexities of a seasoned, morally ambiguous police officer working within the gritty, corruption-riddled landscape of Marseille. Dubosc's portrayal of Michel is a departure from his more comedic roles, showcasing his range as an actor. He brings a rugged charisma and intensity to the character, effectively capturing the internal struggle of a man who navigates the blurred lines between law enforcement and criminality, all while maintaining a grizzled exterior that masks his deeper vulnerabilities. Dubosc's nuanced performance is central to the film's exploration of themes like loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, making Michel a memorable anti-hero in the vein of classic film noir. His interactions with the rest of the ensemble cast are electric, providing a compelling focal point for the unfolding drama and moral quandaries that define the narrative arc of "How to Make a Killing."

Laure Calamy delivers a captivating performance as Cathy in the darkly comedic film "How to Make a Killing" (original title "Cette musique ne joue pour personne"), imbuing her character with a rich blend of vulnerability, tenacity, and a touch of eccentricity. Cathy is a woman whose life is teetering on the edge of chaos, juggling the demands of her job at a local factory with the challenges of single parenthood and a complicated relationship with her daughter. Calamy's portrayal is both nuanced and raw, as she navigates the minefield of personal and professional adversity with a resilience that is both admirable and heartbreaking. Her ability to convey the depths of Cathy's inner turmoil, while maintaining a veneer of humor and hope, is a testament to her range as an actor. Calamy's performance is the emotional anchor of the film, drawing the audience into Cathy's world and eliciting empathy for her struggles, making her journey feel immediate and deeply human.

In the darkly comedic thriller "How to Make a Killing" (also known as "A Perfect Plan"), Benoît Poelvoorde delivers a standout performance as Major Roland Bodin, a character that showcases his remarkable range as an actor. Poelvoorde's portrayal of Bodin, a seemingly affable yet deeply troubled ex-military man, is a masterclass in subtlety and nuance. His ability to convey a sense of underlying menace beneath a veneer of charm makes his rendition of Bodin both captivating and unsettling. Poelvoorde brings a complexity to the role that keeps the audience guessing about the true intentions of his character, expertly navigating the film's tonal shifts from humor to suspense. His interactions with the other characters are laced with a mix of paternal warmth and calculated manipulation, which serves as the backbone of the film's tension. Poelvoorde's performance is a testament to his talent for embodying characters that are at once relatable and enigmatic, making Major Roland Bodin a memorable antihero in his rich filmography.

Crew of How to Make a Killing