"Fabio Montale" is a fairly faithful film version of the trilogy by Jean-Claude Izzo. I read all three books and they were excellent. This version is most accurate in its characterizations. Alain Delon is totally Fabio. He is a native of Marseille, the son of Italian immigrants. Delon brings to life Montale's charm and pathos. Montale is completely in love with Marseille, in spite of his recognition of her warts (racism, corruption and crime.) Every role is well-played. Even minor characters become dear or loathed, few are neutral and none are flat. There is also plenty of action. The cinematography is superb! I was amazed at how well produced it was. My French is basic, but I had no trouble following every nuance with the aid of subtitles. This is really a wonderful film set.
3 Reviews
Delon In Mellow Fade Out Role: Retired Cop Targeted by Mafia Guns
museumofdave13 October 2014
For years, Alain Delon has held the mantle of the handsome brooding detective, soft- spoken almost to the point of silence, quietly going about the business of murder-- or solving them. In Europe Delon has been a major star since the 1950's, justly celebrated for films made with Visconti, Antonioni and Clement; his few American films didn't do much to enrich U.S. appeal, but no matter. Le Samourai, Rocco and His Brothers, Mr. Klein, Purple Noon and many others justly cemented his reputation, and here towards the end of his career, he has made this swan-song to a lifetime of crime in the movies, playing a cop about to retire.
Fabio Montale is set mainly in Marseilles (where Delon actually grew up), and the rich Technicolor and sense of place contributes greatly to this series of related cat-and- mouse detective thriller, as Montale, the title character, attempts at last to make some kind of dent in mafia crime.
As the three parts continue, it is evident that for one reason or another, it is dangerous to know Montale; even though he is much loved by the populace, and especially by his mom-and-pop neighbors, who have a seaside home where Montale likes to hang out, there lurks in the darkness people who want to do him in, who want to drag him into deadly shooting when he is ready to retire. It is a civilized entertainment with a quality script, plenty of suspense, and a richness of character development in it's 4 1/2 hour running time.
Fabio Montale is set mainly in Marseilles (where Delon actually grew up), and the rich Technicolor and sense of place contributes greatly to this series of related cat-and- mouse detective thriller, as Montale, the title character, attempts at last to make some kind of dent in mafia crime.
As the three parts continue, it is evident that for one reason or another, it is dangerous to know Montale; even though he is much loved by the populace, and especially by his mom-and-pop neighbors, who have a seaside home where Montale likes to hang out, there lurks in the darkness people who want to do him in, who want to drag him into deadly shooting when he is ready to retire. It is a civilized entertainment with a quality script, plenty of suspense, and a richness of character development in it's 4 1/2 hour running time.
It doesn't get any better than this!
waldenpond883 March 2020
The two other reviewers already did an excellent job reviewing this TV part trilogie based on Jean-Claude Izzo's trilogy "Total Chaos", "Chourmo" and "Solea" which I've just read this winter and can highly recommend to read. The translator did a great job...it's such a riveting read.
Being a fan of Alain Delon since I watched "Plein soleil" aka "Purple Noon" (still my favorite of more than 40 Delon films that I have watched), I finally watched "Frank Riva" and "Fabio Montale" mainly to complete my Alain Delon collection last year. And while watching "Fabio Montale" I fell head-over-heels in love with Les Calanques, the gorgeous landscape east of Marseille where Fabio Montale lives in his parents' home (both of them deceased). So for me Marseille and Les Calanques, the small and deep coves between Marseille and Cassis, are the true star of this TV trilogy. The cinematographer did an incredible job and of course Alain Delon is as always simply wonderful to watch.
Being a fan of Alain Delon since I watched "Plein soleil" aka "Purple Noon" (still my favorite of more than 40 Delon films that I have watched), I finally watched "Frank Riva" and "Fabio Montale" mainly to complete my Alain Delon collection last year. And while watching "Fabio Montale" I fell head-over-heels in love with Les Calanques, the gorgeous landscape east of Marseille where Fabio Montale lives in his parents' home (both of them deceased). So for me Marseille and Les Calanques, the small and deep coves between Marseille and Cassis, are the true star of this TV trilogy. The cinematographer did an incredible job and of course Alain Delon is as always simply wonderful to watch.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
