Movie Loner

The heist movie. It’s been a staple in cinema since British Director Frank S. Mottershaw’s A Daring Daylight Burglary in 1903. An innovative revelation, Mottershaw employed groundbreaking techniques such as cross-cutting, composite editing and location shooting. The five minute short heavily influenced American Edwin S. Porter to direct the famous The Great Train Robbery. Porter would advance the filmmaking process by experimenting with double exposures and camera movement to enhance the drama. Modern day heist films still borrow from these early models, however, it is legendary French Writer/Director Jean-Pierre Melville’s crime masterpiece Le Cercle Rouge that has impacted filmmakers young and old. Be it Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs or Michael Mann’s Heat, many a movie has drawn inspiration from this classic caper.

Upon his release from prison a suave thief named Corey receives a tip about a potential high-dollar score. On the same day of Corey’s discharge a career criminal named Vogel escapes custody of veteran Detective Mattei by jumping from a moving train. A happenstance meeting between Corey and Vogel leads to them partnering up to rob a jewelry store. In need of a sharpshooter to round out the crew, Vogel leads Corey to Jansen, an alcoholic ex-cop with nothing to lose. Together the three men go about the meticulous planning to bypass a sophisticated security system and walk away with a trove of loot. Meanwhile, a determined Detective Mattei edges closer to an underworld informant who has information regarding Vogel’s whereabouts. Can the three thieves avoid the trap that is unknowingly about to be sprung?

Le Cercle Rouge is truly a movie of its time. Subtlety drives the plot forward. The detailed, methodical pace employed by Melville is from a bygone era. Today this film would be riddled with quick cuts, flashy transitions, elaborate action sequences and a booming soundtrack. Melville practices targeted minimalism, focusing on the cerebral rather than the visceral. The elements of crime are mapped out like a scientific formula. The strict professionalism and discipline displayed by Corey, Vogel and Jansen is to be admired, as is their loyalty to one another. Each is given a role and each accepts that role with no hint of jealousy or malice. These are men of action not words. Melville’s script features sparse dialogue, preferring to let a look or expression reveal character. Criminals have much to hide so the choice of limiting chit-chat is both logical and refreshing. A soundtrack of ambient sound instead of music adds to the film’s authentic feel.

Guilt and whether it exists in the soul of every man is a running theme in Le Cercle Rouge. Mattei’s cynical boss repeatedly reminds his detective that all men are capable of wrongdoing and to think otherwise is foolish. Mattei, a circumspect loner whose only friends are three cats, has yet to grow numb to the evils of the world. He believes man is inherently good despite the fact his profession precludes him from observing such virtue. Representing the innate darkside of humanity are the three criminals. Corey, a cool as ice tough guy with smarts to match, exudes a contagious calm that masks a boiling rage. His past is ripe with betrayal, hindering his capacity to love. Vogel is a sheer brute constructed of fists and attitude; he lacks compassion for anything except his own satisfaction. Finally there is Jansen, a sad mystery man who grew tired of the corrupt bureaucracy that once employed him. He seeks redemption not profit. In the end, each man will succumb to his own guilty tendencies not because he wants to, but because it’s in his nature to do so.

The film’s dramatic heist scene is one of great ones ever put to film and also one of the most duplicated. Notably so in Entrapment, although I’m certain I’m missing countless others. Melville depicts every step from beginning to fruition, electing not to distract with cutaways. It provides a thrilling second act conclusion thus propelling the film into its final act which focuses exclusively on the aftermath. The aforementioned Heat brilliantly utilized a similar tactic in its story structure. Some heavy hitters in the French acting community go head to head. Alain Delon’s unflappable Corey is reminiscent of James Dean and Steve McQueen. And the legendary Yves Montand brings an endearing quality to the troubled Jansen. It should come as little surprise that the film is currently being remade by Hong Kong action director Johnny To. It is rumored Alain Delon has a part. Remakes used to bother me but as long as the original exists I could care less how much they butcher a retread. Le Cercle Rouge is an exceptional crime drama and a must-see for those who appreciate film history.

The trailer for Le Cercle Rouge:

No Comments »