The French are the masters of the sophisticated, character-driven psychological thriller, and "Un Homme Idéal" is further proof. The writing-directing team of Yann Gozlan and Guillaume Lemans (I will be looking for more films from these two) make every situation build inescapably from the previous one (everything that can go wrong, does go wrong), use the beautiful Cote D'Azur locations organically, and handle the suspense well, in the Hitchcockian manner. Although the film is set in a slightly "heightened" reality, which is one of the pleasures of the genre after all, it rarely hits a false note. An exemplary thriller. *** out of 4.

** Mild Plot Spoiler warning** Mathieu wants to be a writer but his work gets binned by the publishers he sends it to. He works as a removals man and longs to be taken seriously for his 'art'. Then chance plays a hand and as he is clearing out an apartment of a deceased war veteran he happens on a manuscript written by the dead man of his war time adventures fighting in Algeria.Mathieu decides to write it up and take it as his own. The book is dynamite and his World changes for ever and for the better. However, the chance that his little ruse may be rumbled is an ever present risk and then fate comes calling a second time.Mathieu is played by the very Gallic Pierre Niney ('Yves St. Laurent') and he gives a physically demanding performance and makes it all look believable. He is comfortably supported by a super cast that includes the wonderful Ana Girardot ('Next time I'll aim for the heart'). The film is very stylistic too with great cinematography and just the right level of tension to keep you hanging on for more. It is one of those where you don't notice the time passing and that is high praise for any film. In French and around 100 minutes long this is for lovers of thrillers, French cinema or just a ruddy good story.

The French know how to make films and this is a perfect example of it. A well-thought and well-made suspense thriller in the style of Hitchcock "Un homme ideal" is certainly a wonderful example of this genre. The film goes by just the right pace and never in a moment leaves the viewer distracted or bored.Pierre Niney gives a deeply emotional performance, constantly changing his emotions from desperation to satisfaction, anger and fear to represent a character that is very diverse in the pursuit of his big dream - become an author at all costs. There is almost natural chemistry between him and the main actress (Ana Girardot)which gives a bit of extra realism that deepens the mood of the film.The sets are very well-chosen creating a contrast with the main character's emotions - the dark and cold city landscape when he was excited about his work and wanted to succeed but couldn't and the sunny and warm seaside when he took his success for granted and his world started to fall apart.A good and exciting thriller with solid performances and many unexpected turns.

A true terrific surprise, this homage to Alfred Hitchcock and Patricia Highsmith. All long this movie, I thought of Mr Riplet - PLEIN SOLEIL. The cruel destiny of a petty uninspired novelist, who suddenly discover an old forgotten manuscript written by a dead man and decides to appropriate it to himself. We watch here the rise to fame and celebrity for the forgerer, and that's when it becomes very taut, thrilling, with terrific performances from the outstanding characters. Our lead will have to desperately fight against all odds to make it. Pierre Niney is a promising actor. I am sure he'll have a great career, that's the worst I wish him. Watch out for Marc Barbé's performance, as the stinking blackmailer; a character that suits him like a glove.