Review of Le Samouraï (1967) by Mithil B — 08 Aug 2012

I haven't seen this film before the day I wrote this, nor have I read any reviews. Anyway, truly a brilliant film. No questions asked. Melville takes a recognizable character, with it's variation of it's usual story, but flips it around a lot and adds MANY brilliant techniques to it, but it's impossible to imitate it's style without ripping it off too much.

Jef is a character we all relate to through what we've seen in films. We know that hit-men like Jef have a certainty about everything, and an undoubtable control over everything. Melville takes advantage over that.

The film is essential run throughout Jef Costello's thought-process. Which is why Jef barely says a word. I know, brilliant isn't it. The technique it uses is more than satisfying. The story itself is more elegant than lighter viewers might take it.

The film delves right into his life without missing a beat, since Melville knows we already connected with the film instantly. Jef does a job, which we don't know that it is going to affect the rest of the film.

Jef's mistake is so simple, but makes me wonder how someone could come up with such an ingenious set piece. The visuals are more well-conducted than beautiful, although sometimes it's both. But, there is constant attention to the foreground and background, which only adds to the already achieved masteries.

I couldn't help but feel it's influence on "The French Connection", probably because of it's raw style and effective suspense.