Review of The Big Risk (1960) by Mark B — 21 Jul 2008
Better than Bob le Flambeur, not as good as Grisbi... this is a film in the action genre, but there's not much of it. You'll be disappointed unless you appreciate character development, which is what this film does best.
It shows a gangster at the end of the road, facing the consequences of his life, but the film doesn't moralize, maintaining instead a dispassionate distance that allows viewers to identify, or sympathize, or judge, according to their inclinations.
I particularly appreciate the relative lack of misogyny (compared to Bob le Flambeur); Sautet is ready to consider all of the various ways these gangsters negotiate relationships with their partners. You've also got to love the faces in this film.
Hollywood would have relegated some of these actors to "character" parts, but here they carry some of the most important roles - and do it unforgettably.
This review of The Big Risk (1960) was written by Mark B on 21 Jul 2008.
The Big Risk has generally received very positive reviews.
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