Review of Le Samouraï (1967) by Matthew H — 31 Dec 2008
From start to finish, I have never seen a more perfectly constructed film than Melville's LE SAMOURAI (except maybe NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN). Like its central character Jef Costello (stoic Alain Delon), every last piece of this movie has a purpose - every shot, every movement, every word uttered.
If ever a movie encompassed the traits of its characters, this is it. Set in a bluish tint, it coolly tells the story of a gun for hire (Delon), whose latest job nearly lands him behind bars, and his subsequent attempt to escape the police and those who hired him.
Melville was a movie junkie. He loved the art, and LE SAMOURAI is proof of that. It's a throwback to American and French gangster movies and film noir, with its own refreshing twists (little things like Jef's bird or his simplistic, methodical way of stealing cars), in a time when the most respected of his peers were mastering New Wave (influences of which can be seen here).
The title refers to the solitude and methodology by which Jef lives and works. It's a subtle film, from it's haunting visuals to it's underplayed performances to its themes of masculinity and pride.
This is one cool movie.
This review of Le Samouraï (1967) was written by Matthew H on 31 Dec 2008.
Le Samouraï has generally received very positive reviews.
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