During my viewing of this film, I couldn't believe how much Lino Ventura's characterization of Gerbier reminded me of DeNiro's personality and mannerismsespecially in films like Ronin. The crazy thing was, my dad had the exact same reaction, which we soon discovered while discussing the film afterward. Anyone know if DeNiro has acknowledged Ventura as an influence in the past?
Lino Ventura was a popular actor in French Cinema, so it might be possible that DeNiro saw him in some films. But
L'Armee des Ombres
never got a wide US release until two years ago so DeNiro certainly didn't see him in
this
film unless he was in France around the time it was released in the 60's.
"a va by me, madamea va by me!"

The Red Shoes

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And, if Ventura's escape from execution is as improbable as has been suggested, then perhaps everything after that occurs in his mind
Braaaaaziiiiiiiilllll

I had been trying to think of who Ventura reminded me of through the first half of army of shadows. Then when Gerbier is getting ready to parachute out of the plane he looks exactly like DeNiro as Harry Tuttle in Brazil. I also wondered if DeNiro (or Terry Gilliam) were paying homage to the actor and/or the filmvive la resistance!

If you can, see Le deuxime souffle (Second Breath) - the similarities between Ventura as Gu Minda and DeNiro as Neil McCauley in Heat are eerie. Aside from the rigid professional codes both characters adhere to, their mannerisms, body language, and facial expressions are all uncannily similar. DeNiro seems more hardass (and I chalk that up to the differences in era) but not by much.

Strange I only came across this film cos it was shown on Film 4 so i recorded it. Being a massive fan of the film 'Heat' I had exactly the same thought about similarities with de niro - wouldnt say its ripping off though

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De Niro's a little more talkative, wouldn't you say?
It's not a parallel which crossed my mind, that's for sure.
I used to want to change the world. Now I just want to leave the room with a little dignity.

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