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Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

"Le Couperet" certainly gets off to a gripping start, and more or less remains gripping for the duration. It is by turns funny, shocking, and thought-provoking (it was probably not Gavras' intention, but it reminded me of Woody Allen's "Crimes And Misdemeanors"). It is also quite prophetic, considering that most European economies are in a much worse state in 2015 than they were in 2005. There is great attention to detail, from the effect of the gun's recoil to a man who has never tried shooting before, to murderous activities being almost exposed by random events involving people who have no idea what's going on. However, at a full two hours, it may be slightly too long. And the very ending is infuriatingly abrupt. *** out of 4.

There is no doubt that Costa Gavras is a major film director with tremendous global appeal. One would find it impossible to find a serious cinéphile who does not remember not having seen classics shot by him namely 'Z', 'L'Aveu', 'Etat De Siège' etc. He has made films both for Hollywood and European film industries. However, despite all these remarkable distinctions, Le Couperet is a major disappoint for Costa Gavras. It is for this reason that it should be considered a minor work in his filmography. Le Couperet has two major flaws which have led to its downfall. Firstly, from a 'philosophical' point of view, "Le Couperet" is 'ethically' wrong as in no terms can killing be justified even if it is carried out by somebody who follows a utilitarian perspective. This is one good reason why irrational killings by the film's unemployed protagonist Bruno Davert-a role played by José Garcia, do not have an air of justness as if such reckless killing methods are adopted then there are ample chances that every second unemployed person would like to kill the ones who have jobs. Le Couperet is also weak from a cinematographic perspective as it grossly lacks a strong script which can retain viewers' attention at all times. There are too many 'easy to guess' clues in the film's script for which Costa Gavras collaborated with Jean Claude Grumberg. This is one reason why it is easy for a viewer to state with confidence what is going to take place in the next scene. A good thing about "Le Couperet" is that lead actor Jose Garcia's presence is the film's sole saving grace.For an actor of his stature who has left an impressive mark on numerous comedy films, it is surprising to know that he has convincingly conveyed the gruesomeness of a mad murderer who bumps off innocent people with remarkable ease.

People who characterize this film as a comedy obviously haven't got it. The comic element is just a thin surface. This is a tragic story and a very strong political statement. Obviously Bruno's decisions and actions are absurd, but his circumstances are not. The movie offers an incisive look at the dark reality of chronic unemployment. Corporate greed leads to story after story after story of desperation. Westlake and Gavras know that in order to pass the message you have to lighten up the atmosphere (a la Truman Show), or else the viewer won't sit the whole movie. In order to appreciate the film you have to marginalize the main plot element (the murder story) and concentrate on all the subplots.

I've seen "Le Couperet" and it impressed me.There is a lot of suspense.And influence from Alfred Hitchcock movies.Costa-Gavras himself came to my country (Brazil) to give a lecture and answered questions about cinema and his movies in March 29, 2005.He talked about how he started making movies and the French movies.In his opinion, France is a good place to make movies because the government helps filmmakers and there is at least 150 movies made every year.In March 31, an avant-premiere of "Le Couperet" took place in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.It was great to see this movie having Costa-Gavras present.Amazing.