LE SAMOURAI (1967) AKA: THE GODSON
Reviewed By-Steve Genier Directed By-Jean-Pierre Melville Cast-Alain Delon, Francois Perier, Nathalie Delon, Cathy Rosier, Jacques Leroy, Michel Boisrond and Robert Favart. Source:RENE CHATEAU VIDEO PAL REGION 2 DVD.
Jeff Costello, hired hit man waiting for the precise time to carry out his orders. The opening scene is a wide angled shot of a smoke filled room during mid-day. Delon is laying on the bed in the foreground smoking a cigarette blowing the smoke up until it dissipates into the already polluted cloud. The shot is stagnate, giving the viewer a sense of anticipation before the thrill of the hunt. Only the sound of a caged bird chirping and the distance cars passing by on the street down below. Then the camera starts a crazy dizziness as to show what it was like for Delon’s character who quickly lays up on the bed. As he gets to his feet, he then walks over to the hallway before the door. There awaits his trench coat and fedora. Like a samurai drawing his blade, there is a ritual, Delon puts his jacket on and then his fedora, finishing with fixing the hat with precision. This is the beginning of a French crime-thriller classic offering from Jean-Pierre Melville (THE SHADOW ARMY, THE RED CIRCLE, DIRTY MONEY). A moving canvas of art, this minimal conversational piece speaks with it actions and character’s body language. A story plot that is excellently executed to the end, the set-up down to the fall.
Our story is centered around hired hit man Jef Costello (Alain Delon) who carries out his instructions. But before in doing so, he covers his tracks by creating an intricate alibi. One first viewing this film and the process in which Delon’s character goes through in covering his tracks before hand, you are confused to a point as to way he is doing what he is doing. Simply because there is no real indication that he is about to pull a hit off. Director Melville uses this technique throughout the film and does it with complete expertise. After the hit is performed, Jef makes sure that his situation is sealed without any hitches. Once the police have been called in they perform a usual round-up of people who might be suspects, this round-up includes Jef. As he goes through the suspect line-up where the witnesses include the female piano player who did notice him during the hit. For some reason none of them admit to his guiltiness, which puzzles Jef. After being grilled, which also included bringing his girlfriend Jane played by real life spouse Nathalie Delon. Trying to get her to admit that her statement is a lie only finds a dead end. Though the superintendent (Francois Perier) has a gut feeling that both Jef and Jane are lying. After his release, Jef goes to the source sent from his employer for payment, but because of his capture of the police, his is labeled at threat to them and must be killed. The attempt fails and Jef gets away with only a bullet graze on his arm, and a mission to find who these people are. With both the police and the employers hot on his tracks, Jef must get to the employers first and settle the score.
After first seeing Alain Delon in the brilliant Italian crime film TONY ARZENTA:BIG GUNS directed by Duccio Tessari, I found a new outet not only for his films but French crime cinema in general. Delon’s raw talent that is displayed in BIG GUNS had me wanting more and Melville’s LE SAMOURAI was the next logical step in doing so. No letdown either, although younger, Delon still creates this nomadic feel in his acting. Again very raw, he is able to project an uneasy feel making you side with his cause, may it be for the good or the bad. Director Jean-Pierre Melville also shows how to surround the power Delon carries around, the supporting cast works silky smooth. Nathalie Delon, born Francine Canova
fits in quite well for it being her first acting job. Very believable as she and Alain seem to have an odd chemistry surrounding them, odd maybe but none the less works. Delon’s advisory the superintendent (Francois Perier) another of many French acting vets that are casted in this film, adds to the true essence of this great film.The Rene Chateau DVD is presented in anamorphic (16:9) wide screen (1.66:1), French audio with an English sub-title option. The picture and audio are very clean and clear adding to the overall enjoyment of this film. Several extras are apart of this DVD as well, starting with a 1967 interview with Alain Delon about LE SAMOURAI. There are also still, posters, a trailer and filmographies for both Delon and director Jean-Pierre Melville.
STORY- 4 BITCH SLAPS PICTURE- 3 BITCH SLAPS AUDIO- 3 BITCH SLAPS EXTRAS- 3 BITCH SLAPS OVERALL DVD- 3.5 BITCH SLAPS
To Purchase this DVD visit X-Ploited Cinema
-or-
Back
