Parlez-vous francais?

Rating: 10/10 (11 December 2007)

Sure, there may be a lack of handlebar mustaches, crooked berets, and flaky croissants, but the French are ever-present in the American-based film, the Deer Hunter. It seems that such a nationally acclaimed masterpiece could not have been complete without a subtle stab at a foreign power. And no, I'm not talking about North Vietnam. The frenemy of which I speak is none other than the noble, supportive, enticing, and faithful comrade in our constant fight for liberté: France.
But wait, why then does the charming coward with a penchant for cash and an idling car portray the French? Perhaps, we a need bit of a history refresher. Didn't the French originally colonize Vietnam? Didn't they implore our help under the false pretense of the "domino effect"? Didn't we send our troops over to maintain control with a state of police action? And, when the conflict turned for the worse, wasn't it the noble France who fled from the jungle?
Yes. Yes it was. You see, the charming Frenchman is truly a symbol of the French involvement in Vietnam. He waits in the alley, capitalizing on the profit of the Vietnamese people. He lures Nicky into the deadly game of Russian Roulette, an act of blind patriotism. And, as Saigon begins to fall, the Frenchman hops into his idling car and tries to flee, leaving behind the gullible American. Luckily, Mike stands in his way and is able to bribe the Frenchman with cash and guilt into helping him. But, the gruesome effects of war, coercion, and abuse have taken their toll on Nicky. By the time the Americans are able to escape from the disastrous conflict of Vietnam, it is too late.