review by Lise Patron
Le Samouraï 1967
Watched May 05, 2012
Lise’s review:
I can't imagine Alain Delon playing anything other than this role. Le Samourai, the lone hit-man, is quiet, professional, and sparse. Everything he does is detailed, calculated and minimalist. He is the personification of the bare room in which he lives. The cinematography is gorgeous, presenting Paris in the 60s, but always with a focus on one particular detail. If the shot is inside a nightclub, its focus is always on one of the characters. If it is of the streets of Paris, then a character or a character's car is at the centre. Every shot in the film is precise and focused on telling the story--nothing is superfluous. Because of this, the film is very fluid; the shot may be static but it always contains movement, action, even if it is simply the subtle change in expression of a jazz pianist.
The plot flies by a bit too quickly near the end but it's ok. By then you are so mesmerized by Jef Costello that your only concern is with watching him negotiate the details of a tricky situation, and doing so with panache.
And that is a mighty fine hat he's wearing.
Part of the Sunday Mornings with Coffee Series
It's a classic and Delon is amazing in it (hence my avatar).
I'm interested to hear other people's opinions on Melville's films, especially how they would rank the popular ones(and to see if watch order makes much of a difference). Mainly because Le Samourai was the fifth I watched and it might have been my least favorite.
That's like trying to rank your own children.
Rick, this was my first of his. I'll be watching Bob le flambeur next. Once I see a few, I'll let you know how I would group them. I was going to give this one 4 stars, but at the last minute I added a 1/2 star for all those dialogue-less scenes. It is a five star film on some levels, including style, cinematography (the opening shot alone is worth 5 stars!) and two performances: Alain Delon and Caty Rosier. But there was something about the plot that didn't sit well with me. I think it's that the pace of the plot near the end didn't match anything else in the film. Perhaps they cut out too much? I don't know.
Your first sentence could not be more true and for that reason I now need to see Delon's other films. Just check out that mustache in The Red Circle!
Goodness, what a shock! I'm afraid to see him in anything else, to tell the truth. I kind of want to keep Jef Costello close to my heart and I don't want anything to interfere with that.
Le Cerle Rouge is even better! imo, at least. And that is still only Melville's second best. I have to imagine you guys would love the vibe of Army of Shadows.