Intrigue and subterfuge abound in the rich and engaging period action drama The Three Musketeers: d’Artagnan. This is Part I in the sprawling adventure, to be followed by Part 2, Milady, in a few weeks.
Based on Alexandre Dumas’ 1844 novel, the film opens in 1627 France. Spirited young swordsman Charles D’Artagnan (François Civil) is on a mission to serve king and country. He’s travelling from Gascony to Paris when he narrowly escapes death. In his pocket is a letter of introduction from his father to the captain of the king’s guard (Marc Barbé). D’Artagnan aspires to be a musketeer, but first he must complete a cadetship. D’Artagnan gets into all manner of trouble by offending three of the most formidable musketeers in the ranks: Athos (Vincent Cassel), Porthos (Pio Marmaï) and Aramis (Romain Duris). Before he knows it, he’s challenged to three consecutive duels, hour after hour. But soon enough D’Artagnan wins them over and becomes embroiled in protecting the future of the nation.
A threat has emerged because of a conspiracy hatched by Cardinal Richelieu (Éric Ruf) to trigger a war between France and England and overthrow the king. Their nefarious cause is also championed by the king’s brother, who the king plans to marry off. The cardinal’s secret weapon is the mysterious and wicked Milady de Winter (Eva Green). To save the kingdom from falling into the wrong hands will require all the daring of D’Artagnan and the three musketeers can amass. On the romantic front, D’Artagnan is immediately attracted to his landlady, Constance (Lyna Khoudri), handmaiden to Queen Anne (Vicky Krieps).
The Three Musketeers: Part I D’Artagnan is a slick and lavish production, which features superb cinematography from Nicolas Bolduc. The juxtaposition between the sumptuous interiors populated by nobles and the working-class exteriors is stark. The filmmakers have left nothing to chance, with the $100 million plus budget on show.
Writers Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière are adept at capitalising upon the scheming nature of the plot. Martin Bourboulon directs with vivid brush strokes that bring the story alive.
François Civil plays the lead with boyish charm and a glint in his eyes. It looks like he is on a grand adventure. There is a charming flirtatiousness between him and Constance, the Queen’s responsible attendant and confidante. Vincent Cassel makes an immediate impression as the measured Athos, who is comfortable in his own skin. Romain Duris brings a pleasant swashbuckling cheekiness to Aramis; and Pio Marmai similarly as Porthos. Eva Green chews the scenery as the masterful manipulator, who uses her feminine wiles to gain maximum advantage. Eric Ruf has all the hallmarks of a quiet assassin. Louis Garrel is largely taciturn as King Louis XIII, responsibility weighing heavily on the character.
With many well-drawn characters, The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan is a rollicking ride and one well worth taking. Not surprisingly, it ends on a cliff hanger, in readiness for Part 2. I can’t wait.
Alex First
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Alex First is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.