Frantic (1988)

“You want your wife back or what? Then relax, be cool and just walk. We’ll give them what they want. You will get your wife, I’ll get my money and everyone will be happy… except Dédé. ” Michelle

Number of Times Seen –  (Between 5 – 10 times) cable in the 80’s and18 Mar 2015)

Brief Synopsis – While on a business trip to Paris, a married couple’s lives are turned upside down when they accidently take the wrong suitcase at the airport.

My Take on it – I believe that director Roman Polanski knows how to make great thrillers.

In this movie, he sets the scene very well at the beginning by showing us how Harrison Ford’s character is lost when immersed in the culture of France and must rely on his wife to help him navigate even a short phone call.

Once she disappears, he must find a way to maneuver among the French authorities, the American Embassy bureaucrats and the French underworld to try and find her.

The use of the generic wrong suitcase theme works well here due to the way the story is told.

I can’t say that this is a movie to watch over and over, but it’s a pleasure to watch how Polanski plays this one out

Bottom Line – Thriller with a generic theme of a mixed up suitcase, but Ford is great as the distraught husband desperately seeking his wife in a land where he doesn’t understand the language or the culture. Not a movie for rewatching again and again, but to see the way Polanski plays this out is great. Recommended!

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – Harrison Ford thought that “Frantic” was a misleading title for the film as the script didn’t have a frantic pace. He suggested that “Moderately Disturbed” would be a more appropriate title. (Director) Roman Polanski wasn’t amused. (From IMDB)

Rating – Globe Worthy

_______________________________________

Check out my *updated* movie stats here

To see my reviews of Oscar Winning Performances check out this link

To see my reviews of all Oscar Best Picture Winners click here (now complete)

Here is a link to my movie index A-Z