The Wages of Fear is a French film directed by Julien Leclercq starring Franck Gastambide and Ana Girardot.
“The Wages of Fear” is a film based on Georges Arnaud’s novel, which, as you may already know, had a previous adaptation in 1953, directed by H.G. Clouzot. This has become a classic of French cinema and one of the best thrillers in film history.
In these current times, Julien Leclercq dares to create a new version of this story, modernizing it entirely and trying to maintain the character tension in this updated plot, although we’re not fully sure if it’s for the better.
It’s always a risk to compare yourself to a classic, but Julien Leclercq has the courage to try it.
Plot
To save a village during an oil extraction, four people must escort a convoy loaded with nitroglycerin in a desolate place, surrounded by armed gangs.
About the movie
If you haven’t seen the first, “The Wages of Fear” merely becomes a commercial thriller, crafted decently with a clear “tough guy” vibe: some action scenes are not necessarily justified by the script, explosions, and many characters acting tough, driving trucks, and wielding firearms.
Yes, it’s almost like an action movie from a few years back that entertained us and gave us a good time without justifying the sense of scenes much.
If you see it this way, it’s perfect, an entertaining film (nothing more) with four stunning lead characters offering action-packed, tension-filled entertainment.
The actors do a good job considering that they’re aware that with these dialogs and this plot, no one is winning any awards: it’s an action film where moving fast without impeding the action with excessive drama is prioritized over acting brilliance. Simple as that.
The direction and editing work is commendable: “The Wages of Fear” is a more modern version that doesn’t take a risk by reinventing anything and provides us a spectacle akin to a fireworks display that, while not exhilarating, satisfies us. The production and technical aspects are executed well.
“The Wages of Fear”: Pros and Cons
The Good: It’s entertaining, well produced, and an action thriller that hooks, entertains and is perfect for a Friday night.
The Bad: Comparisons are not always favorable, and in this case (if we get cinematic), the script treatment has lost a lot compared to the first version.
Our Opinion
It’s Friday and “The Wages of Fear” is all a Friday movie should be: action, tension, and an intense story to experience for an hour and a half. Upon getting to bed, we might, perhaps, be unable to remember it.
Enjoy the show.
Where to Watch “The Wages of Fear”
The Cast
Franck Gastambide
Franck Gastambide is a French actor, director, and screenwriter who has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry. He was born on October 31, 1978, in Melun, France, and grew up in the suburb of Le Mee-sur-Seine. Gastambide began his career as an actor in the early 2000s with small roles in French films such as “RRRrrrr!!!” and “OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies.” However, he gained recognition for his role as Francky in the hit comedy film “Les Kaïra” (The Losers) which he also wrote and directed. The film was a huge success at the box office and earned him critical acclaim. Since then, Gastambide has continued to work on various projects both in front of and behind the camera. He has appeared in several films such as “Pattaya,” “Taxi 5,” and “La casa de papel” (Money Heist). He has also directed and co-written films like “La surface de réparation” (The Big Hit), “Artichauts et Caramboles,” and the highly anticipated sequel to “Les Kaïra.” Aside from his work in film, Gastambide is also known for his comedic talent. He has performed stand-up comedy shows across France and has been praised for his wit and humor.
Ana Girardot
Ana Girardot is a French actress who has captivated audiences with her versatile acting skills and natural beauty. She was born on August 1, 1988, in Paris, France, to actor parents Hippolyte Girardot and Isabel Otero. Growing up in a family of actors, it’s no surprise that Ana developed a love for the arts at a young age. She attended drama lessons at the prestigious Cours Florent acting school in Paris before making her film debut in 2009 with a small role in the movie “Les tricheurs.” However, it was her breakthrough role as Adèle Exarchopoulos’ best friend in the critically acclaimed film “Blue Is the Warmest Color” that brought Ana into the spotlight. Her performance received widespread praise from critics and solidified her as an up-and-coming talent in the French film industry. Since then, Ana has starred in numerous French films such as “Lights Out,” “Next Time I’ll Aim for the Heart,” and “I Am a Soldier.” She has also worked with renowned directors such as Claude Lelouch and Bertrand Tavernier.
Alban Lenoir
Alban Lenoir is a French actor known for his captivating performances in film and television. Born on September 16th, 1985 in Paris, France, Lenoir developed a passion for acting at a young age. He attended the prestigious Cours Florent drama school in Paris where he honed his skills and began his journey to becoming a successful actor. Lenoir’s career took off in 2009 when he landed a role in the French drama film “Mia et le Migou.” This was followed by appearances in popular French shows such as “Les Bleus, premiers pas dans la police” and “Section de recherches.” However, it was his breakthrough role as Maxime Delcourt in the hit French police drama “Braquo” that gained him widespread recognition and critical acclaim. Since then, Lenoir has starred in numerous films and TV shows, showcasing his versatility and range as an actor. He has also worked with acclaimed directors such as Luc Besson and Cedric Jimenez. In 2016, Lenoir received an award for Best Actor at the International Film Festival of La Rochelle for his performance in the film “Nocturama.”
Director: Julien Leclercq
Julien Leclercq is a French film director and screenwriter who has gained recognition for his work in the action and crime thriller genres. He was born on February 23, 1973, in Saint-Denis, France, and was raised in a working-class family. Leclercq’s passion for filmmaking started at a young age, and he began making short films with his friends using a Super 8 camera. After completing his studies in Audiovisual Production at the École Supérieure de Réalisation Audiovisuelle (ESRA), Leclercq worked as an assistant director on various French films. However, he soon realized that he wanted to tell his own stories and decided to venture into directing and screenwriting. Leclercq’s big break came in 2006 when he wrote and directed his first feature film “Chrysalis.” The sci-fi thriller received critical acclaim and won several awards at festivals such as the Fantastic’Arts Film Festival. This success put Leclercq on the map as one of the most promising directors in France. He went on to direct several successful films such as “The Assault,” based on true events that took place during a terrorist attack in Paris in 1994. The film was nominated for four César Awards including Best Director for Leclercq.
