The Fall of the American Empire

With its galloping pace and strange criminal bedfellows, this funny and engrossing film sometimes feels like the droll capers of the Ealing studio (maker of “The Lavender Hill Mob” among other small classics). But Arcand packs in a lot of pointed social and political commentary.

Rather than attack his subject with bristling anger, Arcand approaches it with world-weary wit and the kind of warming optimism that might not appear out of place in a Frank Capra classic. The result is a little old-fashioned but also surprisingly endearing and feels like some of his best work in a while.

If Arcand’s worldview hasn’t changed, his angle continues to grow more acute. Where The Decline of the American Empire focused on social ills, and “The Barbarian Invasions” was preoccupied with ideology, The Fall of the American Empire finds the 77-year-old Canadian legend turning his attention to the greatest moral catastrophe of our time: money.

The mix is for the most part a welcome one, save one unappealing character, a retrograde love story, and an air that’s almost too blasé for its own good.

Though jarringly violent at times, the film becomes a wash of low-keyed comic attitudes thrown into the works of a crime story.

This increasingly convoluted tale moves quickly but goes nowhere.

An unbearably preachy post-financial-crisis civics lesson in heist movie drag.

True to his signature style, French-Canadian director Denys Arcand's latest comedy-drama with a philosophical twist follows the quirky exploits of a sheepish, underemployed but compassionate PhD who unwittingly gets caught up in a high-stakes crime caper with an array of shady characters. While the film is a bit talky at times and likely tells you more than you ever wanted to know about international monetary transfers, the picture has a heart and serves up more than a few pointed observations about ethics, greed and society's recognition (or lack thereof) of what really has value. This beautifully filmed offering shows off Montreal in its best light while delivering a colorful tale of personal evolution, particularly when it comes to enlightening us how to avail ourselves of our opportunities when they come along. Although not for everyone, this fun, witty and insightful release is a pleasant way to spend a few enjoyable hours at the show.

It is a French Canadian crime thriller, loosely based on real events. One of those movies that are pleasant to watch but then the more you think about important details the more you realize that things do not add up. I guess rules of the genre should apply, and I should not be that analytical. But protagonist is a delivery guy with PhD in philosophy, who keeps quoting his favorite classics. Which made me listen, think and disagree. Disagree on practically every aspect: the role of money in a society, the race and class approach, and most of all, common sense situations. Movie-making was quite decent with good directing and performances. Overall, the film is OK to watch but do not expect to be overwhelmed.