Going Places

This 1974 film that made a star of Gérard Depardieu plays like a 1970s response to '60s rebel road movies, with aimless, amoral twentysomethings embracing criminality simply because it's more fun than going straight. Depardieu (all thuggish charm and studly swagger) is Jean-Claude, and Patrick Dewaere is his buddy Pierrot; they're joined by Marie-Ange (Miou-Miou), who transitions from hostage to becoming the third leg of this bohemian ménage-a-trois, content to drift along with the guys from one scam to the next. Despite the jaundiced view of humanity and the social culture of the era, director Bertrand Blier (who adapted his own novel) has a soft spot for these childish blowhard punks, an attitude reinforced by the comic presentation of their criminal antics and the lighthearted score by jazz violin legend Stephane Grappelli. Blier seemed determined to toss in something to offend everyone, and Going Places still has the power to shock with its explicit nudity and rape scenes that border or even cross the line. Extras are limited to a stills gallery. A strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)