The movie is based on a book by McBain. Never having read the book I can't comment on the fidelity of the adaptation. However, the movie deals with some themes dear to McBain's heart : the difficulty and responsibility of detective work ; the speed at which a problem can turn into a circus, a stampede or a political affair ; the difficulty of policing a modern city where almost all citizens (good or bad) can hide, morph and reinvent themselves. (If you're living in a large city : would you be willing to swear that the kindly gentleman sitting on a park bench and feeding the pigeons is indeed a retired high school teacher, and not an Israeli spy master or a judo instructor kicked out of the Navy Seals for excessive brutality ?) There is also a nicely satirical edge to the work.The translation to French society works well and the sun-drenched city of Nice is nicely juxtaposed with the relentlessly "noir" atmosphere. The masterful Morricone music evokes a general sense of wrongness and menace.It should be noted that Trintignant's inspector Carella is not an agreeable man : he alternates between gruff boorishness and solitary misanthropy, while exuding a smoldering, barely contained anger. One senses that any pimply teenager foolish enough to go "oink, oink" in his vicinity would become the owner of a bullet through the brain in two minutes flat. As an approach to community police work this would not be entirely without merit - but still.

As an intelligent thriller, "Sans Mobile Apparent" allows viewers to keep on guessing about the real motives of a shrewd criminal. It does not take viewers long to realize that a criminal case has become too tough to be solved when there is hardly an apparent motive for a crime. Director Philippe Labro chose to narrate his story in a 'fast pace' mode as a lot happens in three days. It is only through meticulous planning and research that a determined police inspector is able to unearth that some past events are casting their shadows in the form of present day killings. French actor Jean Louis Trintignant is a perfect choice as a no nonsense cop who is absolutely serious about his job. His dedication to his work is so perfect that he does not even tolerate his colleagues eating chewing gum. Although "Sans Mobile Apparent" has been compared with other Hollywood films, it is unique in its own narration of a milieu where rich people lead rakish lives with fatal consequences. Monsieur Philippe Labro is an important personality in the world of French cinema. Apart from making films, he has written many best selling novels as well as articles for magazines. He has also appeared on television. As one looks at his filmography, it is rather strange to note that he no film was directed by him in last three decades. His last film "Rive Droite Rive Gauche" with Gérard Depardieu and Nathalie Baye was made in 1984. However, one should feel happy to learn that as an active filmmaker Philippe Labro has made seven important films which are known for their elements of suspense and thriller.

Good solid thriller with fine central performance from Jean Louis Trintignant and very decent score from Morricone. Taught, interesting, involving and amusing from start to finish this good looking film has much to offer including some strange casting and an understated but sleazy background. Erich Segal, writer of Love Story and person responsible for the screen play of Yellow Submarine(!) plays an off the wall astrologer and ex-wife of Trintignant and then wife of Chabrol turns up with bulging bust looking extremely sexy. Singer Sacha Distel is another surprising performer and does well as a TV presenter. The action takes place in and around Nice and more particularly around its harbour as a sniper begins to kill, seemingly at random, or 'Without Apparent Motive'.

An exciting mystery set in Nice directed with a lot of style by Philippe Labro. Jean-Louis Trintignant is a cop trying find a sniper that seems to be picking off people at random only to realize that everyone he comes into contact with ends up a victim. This hard boiled film is adapted from an Ed McBain story and so cleverly put together, it's impossible not to enjoy it. Trintignant is very stolid (almost humorless) and the supporting cast is terrific. Dominique Sanda is one victim's daughter and she seems to know more than she lets on. Sexy Carla Gravina is a call girl who obviously knows TOO MUCH. LOVE STORY author Erich Segal has a brief role as an astrologist. A great music score by Ennio Morricone.