Cercle rouge (le)

Genre: crime thriller

With: Alain Delon (Corey), Bourvil (Commissioner François Mattei), Gian Maria Volontè (Vogel), Yves Montand (Jansen), Paul Crauchet (the middleman), Paul Amiot (the Inspector general), Pierre Collet (the prison guard), André Ekyan (Rico), Jean-Pierre Posier (Mattei’s assistant), François Périer (Santi)

Director: Jean-Pierre Melville

Screenplay: Jean-Pierre Melville

Release: 1970

Studio: Corona, Comacico, Euro International Films

Rating: -

MBiS score: 8.6/10 

 

In memory of Alain Delon (1935-2024)

 

‟All men are guilty. They're born innocent, but it doesn't last.” 

 

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Story-line: in Marseille, a dangerous criminal named Vogel is transferred by train under the surveillance of Commissioner Mattei. Meanwhile, a convict named Corey is offered an interesting ‟job” by a prison guard hours before his release. Fate, it seems, has decided that Vogel and Corey will meet in the ‟red circle” and team up for an audacious heist in Paris.

Pluses: a formidable cast generating lots of star power (Alain Delon playing a cool villain, Gian Maria Volontè as his intense partner, Yves Montand with his usual aura and a convincing Bourvil playing the self-assured Mattei), impeccable direction by a master of suspense, a taut, strongly atmospheric screenplay that manages to squeeze in a few funny moments amid the drama, very clean cinematography, intelligent editing, quality production values and a quiet, serviceable musical score.

Minuses: if you avoid this movie because of its length (140 minutes), you will miss plenty… gangland grudges, Vogel’s daring, a pressure-packed manhunt, threats uttered with hushed voices and a breathtaking caper in a fortress jewellery store. LE CERCLE ROUGE served as a sort of last hurrah for Bourvil, who died shortly after its release (leaving us with one more movie) and Jean-Pierre Melville who also contributed one more film before his death in 1973.

Comments: a cold and captivating thriller, LE CERCLE ROUGE proves once again that the name Melville is synonymous with first-rate moviemaking (and if it reminds you of Herman the novelist, you are right… Jean-Pierre Grumbach borrowed his surname out of sheer admiration). This engrossing film, much like Melville’s fascinating UN FLIC, will please all movie buffs.   

 

MBiS 

© 2024 – All rights reserved

Plein soleil

English title: Purple Noon

Genre: suspense drama

With: Alain Delon (Tom Ripley), Maurice Ronet (Philippe Greenleaf), Marie Laforêt (Marge Duval), Frank Latimore (O’Brien), Billy Kearns (Freddy Miles), Erno Crisa (Inspector Ricordi), Ave Ninchi (Gianna the maid)

Director: René Clément

Screenplay: René Clément and Paul Gégauff (adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s novel)

Release: 1960

Studio: Robert et Raymond Hakim, Paris Film et al.

Rating: PG-13

MBiS score: 8.5/10 

 

In memory of Alain Delon (1935-2024) 

 

Sailing Close to the Wind 

 

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Story-line: while travelling in Italy, Philippe Greenleaf is joined by Tom Ripley – an old friend hired by Greenleaf Sr. to bring him back to San Francisco – but goes squarely against his father’s wishes. Having time to kill and money to burn, he would much rather sail around the Mediterranean with his girlfriend Marge than go back to the States accompanied by an escort. Tom, cash-strapped but resourceful, tags along with the couple for what will be a fateful cruise.   

Pluses: excellent performances by Alain Delon, Marie Laforêt, Maurice Ronet and cast, tight, fast-paced direction, an intriguing and intelligent screenplay that keeps the action going, beautifully luminous cinematography (the seascapes are spectacular), very satisfying production values, a varied and quintessentially Italian musical score (by none other than Nino Rota) and a tightrope ending.

Minuses: you may skip this fine thriller if you have seen its 1999 remake, THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY (critics have hailed both films… although some have given a slight edge to PLEIN SOLEIL).

Comments: this cold, mysterious and nerve-racking film keeps you guessing with its psychological battles, surprises and multiple twists. Seeing PLEIN SOLEIL is like spending a whole summer day outside in the glorious sun… and feeling a noticeable, uncontrollable chill once darkness falls.   

 

MBiS 

© 2024 – All rights reserved