L'Argent (1983)

In the chilling tale of L'Argent, we're swept along on the devastating journey of a man's life unraveling due to the malignant influence of a single forged 500-franc note. This counterfeit currency, birthed in deceit by two scheming teenagers, embarks on a sinister relay from unsuspecting hand to hand, shop to shop, sowing seeds of destruction along its path. Unwittingly ensnared in this web of deceit is the honest Yvon Targe, a humble fuel delivery man. He becomes the unsuspecting victim when the corrupt note lands in his hands via a camera shop manager who, savvy to its worthlessness, passes the hot potato onto him. With the sudden financial strain of covering the loss of the forged note, Yvon finds himself spiraling into a world of crime. The once simple man becomes an accessory to a bank robbery, leading to a three-year incarceration that only serves to steep him deeper into the abyss of criminality. His life shatters further when his wife, Elise, leaves him, and his unruly behavior lands him in solitary confinement. Upon his release, Yvon, now a shadow of his former self, descends into darker depths, turning to murder. L'Argent paints a stark portrait of how a simple act of deceit can trigger a catastrophic chain of events, transforming an innocent man into a hardened criminal, and offering a haunting exploration of the far-reaching consequences of our actions.

L'Argent is a crime movie featuring Christian Patey.

L'Argent is currently streaming on Criterion Channel, Max and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy L'Argent on Amazon Video, Apple TV and Vudu.