Review of Le Samouraï (1967) by Prasad P — 15 Mar 2009
Ever so rarely, an exquisite, arresting, compelling, masterful piece of cinema gets you in its sights. It claws itself into your brain and burns images onto the insides of your skin. It weilds power over your thoughts and visualizes your dreams.
"Le Samourai" is such a film, drawing you inexorably into its world, setting the rules up for you, not allowing you to question its brilliance or the world its story takes you to. Jean-Pierre Melville's masterwork defies description in how it works its way through its plot and its existentialist anti-hero.
The tale is simple enough - a killer (played by a mesmerising, charimatic Alain Delon) is hunted down by police after he leaves a witness, as events lead to a direction his dogged, lonely existence never saw coming.
The film feels like its protagonist - solitary, indefatigable and unwavering, and also works as a taut, suspenseful thriller - with its whip-smart narrative and its strong eye for cinematic detail and pace.
You'll never be the same after seeing this. Trust me.
This review of Le Samouraï (1967) was written by Prasad P on 15 Mar 2009.
Le Samouraï has generally received very positive reviews.
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