MovieChat Forums > Le deuxième souffle (1966) Discussion > My Favorite Melville Film

My Favorite Melville Film

posted 10 years ago by Snoop_DoggChronic2001
2 replies | jump to latest

I have seen all of Melville's films through the Criterion collection and truthfully this ranks as my top film of his. Yes it is slow but the characters are simply brilliant I think. I think Leno Ventura is a great choice for the lead and a great supporting cast around him. I know most of Melville was Heist flicks and most were quicker paced and with better looking guys(Delon) But I have to say this one held the ground of the best story telling (Le Samourai close second) and the cinematography is simply fantastic(Quarry scene) too me. Its a shame this movie is not seen my many people as I think it requires two viewings and yes I know its his longest film but its worth every damn minute I think.

But then again, this is just one hermaphrodite's opinion.

Signing off

[–] MrEdnablackadder 10 years ago

Agreed. I also think this is his masterpiece and the greatest French gangster movie ever, although his catalogue is rich with other highlights of the genre, such as 'Le samouraï' and 'Le Doulos'. Ventura's vendetta is truly one of the most epic ever seen on the screen and Melville's direction as rarely been as masterful as in the van robbery scene. The whole film is so coarse, so powerful in its pessimistic way of society, managing to be so deep and entertaining at the same time. All the actors have rarely been this good (Fardiano might be Paul Frankeur's best role- hard btw this and M.Thévenot in 'Discreet Charm') and the ending is incredible (although 'Le Doulos' might beat this film on that regard).

But this, "Le Silence de la Mer", "Les enfants terribles", "Léon Morin", "Le Doulos", "Le samouraï" and "Le Cercle Rouge" are all veritable milestones of their respective genres (yeah, I know I named almost all of his movies, but he's that good).

[–] jimmyr5595 9 years ago

I feel like the first two acts lack tension, but the final act is brilliant. I've seen every Melville movie except Army of Shadows, Le Cercle Rouge and Un Flic. My favorite is probably Leon Morin, Priest, but Le Samourai is more stylistically satisfying to me, so I might say that one.

But then again, this is just one hermaphrodite's opinion.

Signing off

A hilarious way to end a post. Makes people go: wait, what?