adrian-43767
Alain Delon has always been one of my favorite actors and this is probably his most accomplished performance as Jef, not least because it is so minimal - and yet there is a character there, a loner who cares for his caged sparrow. The latter is a reflection of Jef, who is trapped and unable to venture out of the world of crime. Like him, the sparrow is constantly on guard against intruders into this closed world, doubling up as watchdog that shrieks to warn Jef of an unwanted presence in the apartment. That relationship alone takes Le Samourai into a different dimension of perception and awareness.The film opens with a reportedly false quote comparing a samurai to a tiger in the jungle. Jef is on his bed, hardly visible, detectable only through a puff of cigarette smoke. This sets the mood for the rest of the film: silence, introspection, and no desire to communicate, let alone explain one's motives. It is a code and Jef abides by it.The sequence that sees Jef steal a Citroen DS is made memorable by Delon's deadpan acting, reflecting both vulnerability and commitment to his samurai-like code, all to an eerie silence. As he drives along, he gets an inviting glance from a beautiful woman driving another vehicle, but ignores her completely. Jef has no interest in distractions like sex, but has two women in his life, one white and blonde (his wife at the time, Nathalie Delon) and the other black, who function like angels of good and bad, life and death, and it is with them mainly that Delon shows touches of humanity and concern.The way he builds his alibi to avoid being charged for the execution of a bar/dance hall owner is highly professional and riveting, brilliantly done throughout, and followed by a subtly comic identification sequence at the police precinct where the witness only does not recognize his face, but remembers all he wore. François Périer is superb as the police captain determined to catch him, and he is perhaps the character who has most lines in the film, but all parts are extremely well acted. The barman is particularly effective in a very short role, looking surprised when he sees Jef act uncharacteristically, and unprofessionally, when he returns to the scene of his crime, thereby breaking his code.Le Samourai is punctuated by quite a few wonderful sequences, action is credible, photography very good and yet economical, and director Jean-Pierre Melville is probably in his best form ever. Given that he made some six or seven films of the highest order, that is no minor feat.This is a much imitated, but never equalled, work. It also has the advantage of no computer tricks, no bombs exploding, no unnecessary violence - just an assassin doing his job. He goes about it zealously, seemingly unflinchingly, but his conscience becomes increasingly present.Le Samourai does not moralize but you come away knowing that, however stylish Delon is, however seductive reclusiveness might seem, and however enticing such professionalism might be, ultimately you cannot run away from yourself.John Woo rated it the most perfect film he ever saw, and I endorse that rating, with a caveat that there are three or four films that I would place on a similar perch. Pity 10/10 is the highest mark I can give, Le Samourai deserves more.
851222
Greetings from Lithuania."Le samouraï" (1967) is a very solid suspense thriller. While the story is very simple, craftsmanship of this movie is so good that you won't lose anything if invest 1 h 42 min of your lifetime into this picture, it is worth it. It is flawlessly directed film, director i think was a true star of this movie. Scenes aren't rushed, everything looks clear and involving. Cienmatography as well as editing were also very solid. While i lost a bit interesting into plot in the middle of the movie, nevertheless i enjoyed this picture.Overall, although made in 1967 "Le samouraï" doesn't look or feel aged, good thrillers don't age and this is a very solid one.
SamoanJoes
It's often difficult to enjoy a movie where its thin plot works to its advantage. Le samouraï is a simple film that becomes more riveting with every passing minute.Alain Delon plays Jef Costello, a hit-man who is ordered to execute a night club owner in his own night club. The problem is that he has to do it in the midst of possible witnesses on this busy night. He succeeds with the killing but when the body of the owner is found, the authorities are contacted where whey begin to whittle down possible suspects. Will the police suspect Jef, or is he in the clear?With little to no music, Jean-Pierre Melville's masterful direction is what keeps you enthralled throughout. It doesn't rely on music to make you feel a sense of suspense but instead is confident in it actors to make you feel that something could go wrong any minute.Set in the beautiful backdrop of France, it's use of watered-down blue and white colours add to the feeling of desolation.Le samouraï is an easy watch that made me watch it for a second time shortly after my first experience. Highly recommended.
