Watch Le Samouraï For Free
Le Samouraï
After carrying out a flawlessly planned hit, Jef Costello, a contract killer with samurai instincts, finds himself caught between a persistent police investigator and a ruthless employer, and not even his armor of fedora and trench coat can protect him.
Release : | 1972 |
Rating : | 8 |
Studio : | Fida Cinematografica, Compagnie Industrielle et Commerciale Cinématographique, Filmel, |
Crew : | Production Design, Set Decoration, |
Cast : | Alain Delon François Périer Nathalie Delon Cathy Rosier Michel Boisrond |
Genre : | Thriller Crime |
Watch Trailer
Cast List
Related Movies
Reviews
Perfect cast and a good story
Boring
In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.
This is a dark and sometimes deeply uncomfortable drama
This neo-noir crime film reeks of atmosphere. Directed by the legendary Frenchman Jean Pierre Melville and starring the French heartthrob Alain Delon as the main character Le Samourai is a great classic of world cinema. Delon is an contractual assassin and his latest hit gets him in some soup. The style is minimalist and the cinematography is bleak on purpose. Though there are some plot holes which can be found if studied deeply I feel that the film is meant to be a stylish take on a philosophy and in that capacity it works perfectly. If you wish to get into French films than this is a straightforward flick full of fedora wearing assassins and nightclub singers that can be helpful.
European films are known for the French New Wave style of filmmaking where they break the rules, especially in the editing room. The jump cuts originated from them, they cut their films without following the rules set upon by the Hollywood filmmakers which is suppose to be like this - establishing shot to know the location then medium to go closer to the characters, and then close-up for the dialogues. I have seen many old French films who disregards these techniques, but I was surprised to see this in Le Samourai a crime film starring Alain Delon about a professional hit man named Jeff Costello. Viewing this in the 21st century days of filmmaking I have to say it is beyond its time. It doesn't only have that Hollywood film-noir style, but it has the contemporary indie filmmaking of today which is slow-burn and edgy.Le Samourai is about Jeff Costello a hit man for hire who is tasked to kill an owner of a nightclub for the price of 2 million, but everything goes wrong when the nightclub's pianist played by Cathy Rosier sees him after the crime. The investigation happens after and Jeff Costello's alibi is strongly believed by the police because of the convincing statements of his lover who is also his accomplice, but the head of the investigation is not impressed, and after Costello's release the police still plots some investigations. The pianist who is the only witness of the crime denies the accusation that Jeff Costello is the murderer, and this leads to Jeff Costello wanting to know more about the pianist if she is hired to protect him or she has hidden affection to him. And then everything becomes a cat and mouse game.The mise-en-scene of the film is gloomy and dark it evokes the soulless act of killing. Jeff Costello's costume has a distinct trademark and character into it. He wears a fedora hat and brown trench coat, but inside of that he's wearing a dark suit which depicts who he is inside an empty and obscure person. Almost all of the character in the film is dressed in gray and dark tone which uplifts the edginess of the film. The cinematography isn't that impressive compared to some Hitchcock films which is also released in those decades. It losses it's suspense because the cinematography is not giving us hints or clues, but it releases actions abruptly. In terms of acting everyone is greatly directed especially the protagonist played by Alain Delon, he shows a nuance and silent approach to the character which reminds me of Ryan Gosling's acting in Drive or maybe that's Gosling's spirit animal that time. Cathy Rosier is elegant and mesmerizing with her role as a pianist she manages to attract my eyes every time she comes in the scene and her skin tone makes her more unique, and her last scene in the film is memorable.The structure of the story is very well-thought of by opening it slowly in a room apartment without nothing happening is an amusing approach making us viewers think what will be the journey of this story before it starts and it turns out to be unpredictable, and on the revelation scenes everyone will be on the edge of their seats. The denouement part of the film in the nightclub is a memorable scene and I think I will remember forever.Le Samourai is a thrilling experience, but it lacks big and explosive moments. I feel like the film is concentrating on the nuances of the characters rather than action scenes and I think that's not bad at all. I'm just waiting for snappier moments in the film that will make me jump off my chair.
A hitman is hired to execute a nightclub owner . Upon completion several people witness the caped man including the pianist, the bartender, and the host .Police are called in to investigate and the chief detectives orders a roundup of all "suspects" with top hats and overcoats . Due to 50/50 witness testifying and Costello's cold demeanor , the chief orders his men to tail the hitman and uncover his tracks .After Costello's release his employers suspect he may be trailed , and order for his execution aswell . Joe decides to find the people who ordered the hit , before they find him - all the while dodging the police's trails and mouse-trapsThe Caper Thriller that inspired a new-age of filmmakersSlick spy/detective storytelling featuring: staged alibis, police rigging and tracking, contract killer's collaborators8.5/10 -- Classic Crime Drama
Le Samourai is directed by Jean-Pierre Melville and stars Alain Delon as Jef Costello, an assassin working for criminal elements in Paris, France. Jef is a lone wolf and a perfectionist, calm and cool in any situation. As the title suggests, Costello places unsaid faith into Bushido, which advocates self-control and mastery, honour and obedience.The film itself revolves around Costello's lonely existence. He spends most of his time alone with a small bird in a rundown and empty apartment as he waits for his next assignment. When it arrives, he meticulously and ruthlessly pulls off the job, trying to remain hidden and anonymous while carrying out his task.The plot of the film develops when Costello bumps into a young singer at a club, directly after he pulls off a job. Things begin to unravel for him as the police tighten their net, his employers become suspicious, and his meticulous plans start to fray. Costello himself seems to develop as the plot does. His warriors mask begins to crack and he shows more strain, more fear and panic, albeit very subtly.Le Samourai is quite masterful. Carefully and meticulously shot itself, the film has little in the way of downsides. The plot is brooding and atmospheric as Costello navigates the streets and metros of Paris to evade his pursuers. The score is haunting and appropriate. The acting is superb. The plot is deep and defined. Le Samourai was a blast. It is a neo-noir film of the highest order, and well encompasses film-noir aspects from Frances cinematic history. It is an excellent film to watch, and I can't wait to watch it again.