Review of Le Cercle Rouge (1970) by Art S — 01 Apr 2013
A long prelude to the actual heist shows us how all the players came to be "in the red circle" at the same time -- Delon just out of jail, Volonte escaping arrest by Bourvil, and Montand in bed with the DTs but ready to go cold turkey.
The heist itself is methodically plotted (and shot). The denouement brings all the vectors together (yes, in the red circle), as Bourvil makes his move. In fact, in this film, Melville seems to spend as much time detailing the cop's position as he does (as is his wont) the crook's.
Everyone, on both sides, is tough and cool -- they don't blink, they just get on with it, even when shit happens. Red circles appear now and again, but the film is primarily blue and gold. Probably the fourth best Melville film (after Le Samourai, Le Doulos, and Army of the Shadows), but still great.
This review of Le Cercle Rouge (1970) was written by Art S on 01 Apr 2013.
Le Cercle Rouge has generally received very positive reviews.
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