#335: MALLE, Louis: Elevator To The Gallows (1958)

MALLE, Louis (France)
Elevator To The Gallows [1958]
Spine #335
DVD


In his mesmereizing debut feature, twenty-four-year-old director Louis Malle brought together the beauty of Jeanne Moreau, the camera work of Henri Decaë, and a now legendary score by Miles Davis. A touchstone of the careers of both its star and director, Elevator to the Gallows (Ascenseur pour l'échafaud) is a richly atmospheric thriller of murder and mistaken identity unfolding over one restless Parisian night.

92 minutes
Black & White
Monaural
in French
1:66:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2006
Director/Writers


Based on the novel by Noël Calef.
Screenplay by Roger Nimier and Louis Malle.

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Twenty-eight page booklet featuring essays by Terrence Rafferty and Vincent Malle, and Malle on Malle: Elevator to the Gallows.

Commentary

None.

Interview

With actor Moreau.

Archival interviews

With director Malle, actors Ronet and Moreau, and original soundtrack session pianist René Urtreger.

Footage

Of Miles Davis and Malle from the soundtrack recording session.

Video program

About the score, with jazz trumpeter Jon Faddis and critic Gary Giddins.

Student film

Crazeologie, featuring the title song by Charlie Parker.

Theatrical trailers


Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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