Was it the opening credits that the helmet appears? (with some drums and some indistinguishable French radio in the background?)
Yes, and the ending credits as well, with the theme song (including with lyrics towards the end)
Really good film - will have to try and seek it out to watch again soon.
It’s on Netflix now. Hadn’t watched it since a DVD rental a decade ago. Amazing how stunning it looks in HD. Wonderful restoration as well as a fantastic film.