Vidocq

In an alternate 19th-century Paris, the legendary detective Vidocq is framed for the murder of three young women and must uncover the identity of the real killer. He teams up with a young balloonist, an actress, and a reformed pickpocket to hunt down a mysterious, winged automaton terrorizing the city. As the body count rises and his own life is threatened, Vidocq races against time to expose the conspiracy before he becomes the next victim.

Vidocq was met with mixed to negative reviews, with critics often citing its convoluted plot and over-reliance on CGI. While some praised its visual ambition and Gérard Depardieu's performance, many found the narrative difficult to follow and the special effects dated. The film garnered a niche following for its unique aesthetic but failed to achieve widespread critical or commercial success.

• Visually ambitious with a unique steampunk aesthetic, but ultimately undone by a muddled plot.

• Gérard Depardieu delivers a strong performance, but the CGI feels dated and the story is hard to follow.

• A film that aims for grand spectacle but falls short due to its narrative weaknesses.

Google audience: Audiences found the film visually interesting and appreciated the unique setting and concept, with many praising Gérard Depardieu's acting. However, a significant portion of viewers felt the plot was confusing and difficult to follow, and some noted that the special effects did not hold up well over time.

Nominated for Best Costume Design at the César Awards.

The film's director, Pitof, was known for his work in visual effects and commercials, and 'Vidocq' was his only feature film as a director.