Review of Elevator to the Gallows (1958) by Stephen C — 22 Nov 2010
Two years before the so called New Wave of French cinema began the 24 year old Louis Malle directed one of the most outstanding thrillers of the time.
Today the film still works and thats due to Malles brilliant technique and a performance from Jeanne Moreau as a wife and lover who spends most of her time wandering the streets of Paris.
The story begins with her lover (Maurice Ronet) killing her husband ,what follows are three different story strands focusing on Ronet who is trapped in a lift after going back to remove some evidence,Moreau as she wonders what becomes of Ronet and a young couple who steal Ronets car and then carry out a terrible crime.
Malle keeps all three plates spinning with an adept skill and with the help of A cracking Miles Davis score he manages to sustain interest througout.
The film never misses a beat and feels fresh and vibrant as it did in 1958.
I enjoyed it so much I watched it 2 times in a row cracking stuff.
This review of Elevator to the Gallows (1958) was written by Stephen C on 22 Nov 2010.
Elevator to the Gallows has generally received very positive reviews.
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