The Mesrine Collection

The Mesrine Collection is a two-part film project that chronicles the life of Jacques Mesrine, a prominent figure in French organized crime during the 20th century. Released in 2008, this collection presents an ambitious exploration of Mesrine's life, portraying him not as a simplified hero or villain, but as a complex individual with significant flaws. The project aims for factual accuracy, depicting his story with both thriller elements and biopic characteristics. Spanning a total runtime of 246 minutes and a budget of 50 million, the collection details Mesrine's rise to notoriety, culminating in his capture and dramatic execution in Paris in 1979. The films delve into the character of Mesrine, aiming to present the story of the man behind the legend. The collection generated a total revenue of 30 million. The two films within the collection are Mesrine: Killer Instinct and Mesrine: Public Enemy #1. Together, they offer a comprehensive look at Mesrine's life, from his criminal activities to his final days. This project marks the first time that Mesrine’s story has been presented on the big screen in this manner, bringing nearly thirty years after his death into a new cinematic context.