#218: MELVILLE, Jean-Pierre: Le Cercle Rouge (1970)

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MELVILLE, Jean-Pierre (France)
Le Cercle Rouge [1970]
Spine #218
DVD
OOP


Master thief Corey (Alain Delon) is fresh out of prison. But instead of toeing the line of law-abiding freedom, he finds his steps leading back to the shadowy world of crime, crossing paths with a notorious escapee (Gian Maria Volonté) and an alcoholic ex-cop (Yves Montand). As the unlikely trio plots a heist against impossible odds, their trail is pursued by a relentless inspector (André Bourvil), and fate seals their destinies. Jean-Pierre Melville's Le Cercle Rouge combines honorable antiheroes, coolly atmospheric cinematography, and breathtaking set pieces to create a masterpiece of crime cinema.

140 minutes
Color
Monaural
in French
1:85:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2003
Director/Writer



Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Twenty-four page booklet featuring essays by Michael Sragow, Melville, composer Eric Demarsan, Chris Fujiwara, and John Woo.

Commentary

None.

Excerpts

From Cinéastes de notre temps:Jean-Pierre Melville (portrait en 9 poses).
Video interviews

With the author of Melville on Melville, Rui Nogueira; and assistant director Bernard Stora.
On-set and archival footage

Thirty minutes featuring interviews with director Melville, and stars Delon, Montand, and Bourvil.
Production and publicity stills, poster gallery

Original theatrical trailer and 2003 Rialto Pictures re-release trailer

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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