The Swindle (1997) - French director Claude Charbrol's 1997 film "The Swindle" is one of the classiest, sexy and intelligent thrillers I have ever seen. Victor (Michel Serrault) is an elderly, debonair Frenchman who's ruling tenet in life is the word "prudence." Betty (Isabelle Huppert) is his sexy thirtysomething protege. Victor and Betty are small time con artists who share an apartment in Paris. They travel the countryside in their RV swindling conventioneers. Betty seduces men with an "emancipated woman who's not afraid to ask for casual sex" ploy. Victor comes on the scene after the knock out drops have taken effect and oversees the theft. Victor is a smart man. He always leaves the victim enough money so the mark will not to miss what was taken. What happens when these two small time grifters get involved in a big con makes for a humorous, and suspenseful little film.

      Following a successful "trick-roll," the couple returns to their apartment. Victor informs Betty that there is a dental convention in Switzerland ten days hence. Betty says that she needs to take a little vacation and will meet Victor at the Swiss hotel at the appointed time. Victor prepares false identity papers and Betty becomes Sissi Petrovna, a Russian jet-setter. She calls Victor nine days later. He tells her that she needs to be at the hotel the next day. Betty/Sissi informs him that she is already there. Victor hears the voice of a man in the background. Needless to say, he wonders just what she is up to. He hurries to Switzerland and finds out that the man's voice belongs to Maurice (Francois Cluzet). It turns out that Maurice is some type of financier/mobster who carries $5,000,000 Swiss Francs in a case handcuffed to his arm. For once, Victor is not in charge of the con. Is Betty planning to cross Victor and leave with Maurice? At this point the film turns into a fast paced, witty maze of twists and double crosses.

      There is a sweet center to this movie about devious, dishonest souls. That center comes from the May/December relationship between Huppert and Serrault. Victor loves his young protege. When Betty asks Victor if he minds whether or not she takes a solo vacation, he replies "You know I love you Betty, but that doesn't mean I can't live without you." Victor and Betty have an ongoing repartee which draws the viewer into their life. Their dialogue is reminiscent of the banter between Nick and Nora Charles in the classic "Thin Man" movies. Betty calls Victor 'Daddy.' In part to make him jealous, and in part as a term of endearment.

      Michel Serrault is probably best know for "La Cage Aux Faul" and "The King of Hearts." As Colonel Victor, Serrault turns in a gentle, dignified and very confident performance. It is refreshing to see a pudgy middle-aged man portrayed with the confidence and cockiness of a much younger man. He knows that he might not be the most attractive man in the world, but he believes that Betty can see his worth and will return his love. The viewer roots for him to get the girl in the ends. Huppert is a very sexy young woman.

Unlike her soul sister portrayed by Annette Benning in "The Grifters," Betty has a soul...or does she? These folks are con men and it is hard to trust anything that comes out of their mouths. A shallow person could picture Betty's firm young body and think that she would prefer to have it next to some younger man-flesh. There is no sex in the movie, but the sexual undercurrent between Victor and Betty is one of the main driving dramatic forces in this movie. One also wonders if Betty is tired of just surviving. Just surviving is OK for Victor, as he is old, but Betty has a lot of years ahead of her. It is understandable that she might want to trade up to a more luxurious lifestyle.

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Rusty White