Why Do They Do It?

Melville's approach to these kinds of guys is interesting in that he just presents them in their "environment", an environment they obviously choose to be in. I wonder though how far Melville goes with these guys especially with regard to morality. Does he like them? Does he hate them? Would he rid society of them? I thought the film was so good, so dispassionate in its "cool" look at the criminals. And when you see the killings of the cops, it's horrific but it's just part of the job and no doubt of the life. That "code" that pervades the film is sure interesting. Melville's a great one here.