Meville wrote the film for Delon. This was the first film for Delon's wife, Nathalie Delon. He filed for divorce after the film ended production; it became official in February 1969 and she was granted custody of their son, Anthony. François Périer, who played the police inspector, was a comedian cast against type. Melville's private film studio, Studio Jenner, was destroyed by fire while Le Samouraï was shooting early in July 1967. Melville, who termed the blaze "suspicious", moved the production to another studio.
Le samouraï
(1967)18
" Things suddenly go badly for a successful French assassin"
| Country | |
| Spoken Language | french |
| Runtime | 1 hr 45 min |
| Premiere: World | $343 363 October 25, 1967 |
| USA | $216 696 |
| Other countries | $126 667 |
| Premiere: USA | $216 696 July 12, 1972 |
| first weekend | $14 899 |
| theaters | 21 |
| rollout | 274 days |
| Digital: World | July 14, 2015 |
| Production Companies | |
| Also Known As | El samurai United States |
Description
After professional hitman Jef Costello is seen by witnesses, his efforts to provide himself an alibi drive him further into a corner.Сast and Crew
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About the Book
The film "Le Samouraï" is loosely inspired by the novel The Ronin by Joan McLeod. The book delves into the life of a lone assassin, exploring themes of solitude, honor, and existentialism. It paints a picture of a character who lives by a strict code, much like the samurai of ancient Japan.About the Author
Joan McLeod is the author of The Ronin. She is known for her ability to weave complex characters and intricate plots, often exploring the darker sides of human nature. Her work is characterized by a deep understanding of the human psyche and a penchant for creating morally ambiguous characters.Film Adaptation
The film "Le Samouraï," directed by Jean-Pierre Melville, takes inspiration from The Ronin but diverges significantly in its execution. While the book provides the thematic foundation, Melville's film introduces new elements and characters, creating a unique narrative that stands apart from the source material.Key Differences
- Characterization: The film's protagonist, played by Alain Delon, embodies the stoic and enigmatic qualities of the book's character but is given a distinct cinematic presence.
- Setting: The film transposes the story into a modern urban environment, adding a noir aesthetic that is not present in the book.
- Plot Elements: While the book focuses more on the internal struggles of the protagonist, the film emphasizes action and suspense, creating a more dynamic narrative.
Overall, while Jean-Pierre Melville draws from Joan McLeod's novel, "Le Samouraï" is a distinct work that reflects Melville's unique vision and style.
Production
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The best thing I’ve watched in the last three months. A masterpiece of French cinema released in 1967, it amazes with the depth of its exploration of the theme of loneliness. Real art.
A lone killer. Alain Delon in a textbook image. A person existing in this world according to certain principles is driven into a corner. Brilliant game. Films like this never get old. 9/10
Samurai code in sixties Paris, observed by a knight of cape and hat
It seems to me that the film is overrated, in the sense that "The Red Circle" is not uttered when describing the name Melville or Delon. They always remember "Samurai", which, it seems to me, is not entirely fair. Delon is flawless in his role. Nine hand does not turn to put. 10 out of 10 (masterpiece
Absolute cinematic delight!!! A stylistic, visual feast! The most subtle, precise, jewelry work of Alain Delon. Expressive details, selected with such precision and meticulousness create a unique atmosphere in the frame and, I am sure, on the set. The dictatorial director…
A film in which form completely dominates the plot; as if created to become a cult classic in narrow circles, and ended up influencing many directors, including very recently (hello Fincher).
Welcome to the imaginary world of introverted dreamers, access only by passes. A touching Melville detail, noticed only on re-watching: going to his death, Delon takes off his hat and does not take a number. For Melville’s heroes, a hat is a vital organ.
Yeah, not bad. But you know that giving a movie about Inspector Gadget a cool title doesn’t make it cult. Or…
A very balanced film that, despite the slowness of the narrative, manages to hold the viewer’s attention. Plus absolutely brilliant acting by Alain Delon.
A cold, stylish film-character – just like Delon’s character, in whose frozen gaze there is not just fatalism, but doom. Readiness for death is what makes him similar to a samurai. As a signature scene, Melville offers a chase in the subway, and the tricks are long, dialogue-free scenes.
The founder of neo-noir and one of the first films to raise the theme of the existential loneliness of a hired killer. All this in a hodgepodge, seasoned with Eastern samurai philosophy and American noir of the 40s. Cool soundtrack. Masterpiece direction by Melville. Brilliant Delon.
A very masculine film – dry, prickly, cold and aesthetically perfect, which is hard to fall in love with, but which is hard not to watch to the end. Despite the measured, meditative rhythm, director Melville skillfully creates suspense and keeps you in suspense.
A classic French polar with a young and beautiful Delon, who is laconic on screen and under Melville’s direction amazingly shows all the emptiness, the absence of a future and the hopeless loneliness of the main character. And against this background, there is also the main plot about the confrontation with the police.
In recent times, this is my least talking film where people talk all the time. Everything here is clear and simple to understand. I give the maximum for idealization of plans.
About a devastated and very lonely man whose only attachment is a small canary. Delon is impeccable, as is the film itself.
In Bushido mode. A very slow and viscous film. The cinema has its own style and Delon’s acting is gorgeous, but the very leisurely narration can lead to boredom. It was sometimes difficult to watch the slowness and silent scenes.
A classic of French cinema. A minimalistic film without unnecessary words or movements, which influenced many neo-noir works of Hollywood. Hagakure – "live as if you were already dead", Alain Delon demonstrated this perfectly.
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