Ah, Assassinat en Tout Genre (AEG), or as I affectionately call it, "Assassination Any Which Way You Can." Because, let's be honest, that title is a masterpiece of understatement. Think about it: everything is fair game.
Released in 1968, this French film, directed by one Marcel Martin, is... well, it’s something. Let's just say, if you're looking for a hard-hitting, realistic spy thriller, you’ve wandered into the wrong bistro. This is more like a crayola-colored fever dream served with a side of existential baguette.
The Plot (or Lack Thereof, Maybe?)
Okay, so there’s this… thing. Apparently, someone, somewhere, is offing people in unconventional ways. Think exploding chairs, killer vacuum cleaners, and maybe even… (gasp!)… poisoned pastries. The French secret service, naturally, is baffled. And who do they call? Not James Bond. Oh no, that would be far too predictable. They call… well, they call a bunch of other people. The details get a bit hazy after the exploding chair incident, to be perfectly frank.
Basically, chaos ensues. Imagine Inspector Clouseau directed a low-budget James Bond parody after a particularly potent Camembert binge. That's... close. Very close.
The Charm (and Sheer Lunacy)
Here's the thing: AEG isn't "good" in the traditional sense. The acting is, shall we say, enthusiastic. The special effects make Ed Wood look like George Lucas. But that's precisely where the charm lies. It's so gloriously, unapologetically bad that it circles back around to being entertaining. Think of it as the "Plan 9 from Outer Space" of spy flicks, only with more berets and less aliens (probably).
The film just throws absurdity at the wall and sees what sticks. Sometimes it's a killer robot dressed as a mime (don't ask). Other times, it's a convoluted plot twist that makes absolutely no sense. And you know what? You just roll with it. You have to.
Important note: Don't try to make sense of it. Seriously. Your brain will thank you. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Bonus points if you can keep track of all the characters. I certainly can't.
Why You Should (Maybe) Watch It
Look, I'm not going to lie and say this is a cinematic masterpiece. It's not. But if you're in the mood for something completely bonkers, something that will make you question the very fabric of reality (or at least your taste in movies), then AEG might just be your cup of tea (or should I say, your glass of mysteriously poisoned vin rouge?).
It's a time capsule of 1960s French weirdness, a testament to the power of low-budget filmmaking, and a reminder that sometimes, the best movies are the ones that don't take themselves too seriously. Plus, exploding chairs are always funny. Always.
Just don't blame me if you suddenly develop an irrational fear of household appliances. You've been warned. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go check my vacuum cleaner. Just to be safe.
