Review of Pépé le Moko (1937) by Matt T — 02 Jul 2010
A fine example of French Poetic Realism, the forerunner to Film Noir. This involves a gangster by the name of Pepe (Jean Gabin) who after a series of bank robberies hides out in the Casbah, an area in Algiers where the French police have little influence. For Pepe who dreams of returning to Paris, The labyrinth like Casbah feels like a prison, for if he leaves he he will be arrested.
Gabin became a star after this and carries the film with his performance. A highlight is when he first casts his eye on a beautiful socialite. First he glances at her expensive jewels, then looks at her face and instantly falls in love. The camera cutting from his face to the jewels, to her face, back to his face. Fantastique.
Another highlight is Inspector Slimane (Lucas Gridoux) the local slimy policeman who has access to the Casbah and Pepe and bides his time in capturing him. The copper and thief talking to each other just like in Heat(1995).
Throughout the film I couldn't help thinking how much of an influence it had on Casablanca (1942), another North African city where never-do-goods retreat. Pepe Le Moko was itself remade as Algiers (1938) and Casbah (1948).
Interesting facts:
Pepe Le Pew the Loony Tunes romantic cartoon skunk was inspired by this film.
Moko is slang for man from Marseilles.
This review of Pépé le Moko (1937) was written by Matt T on 02 Jul 2010.
Pépé le Moko has generally received very positive reviews.
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