Stairway to the Gallows (1 Viewer)

jazzeum

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This is a French crime noir movie filmed in black and white from Louis Malle called Ascenseur pour l'Echafaud, typical of the French new wave, and starring Jeanne Moreau as Florence. Jeanne Moreau and her lover, Julian Tavernier, an ex Special Forces soldier, plot to kill her husband, a well known industrialist, and the movie is about what happens when after doing the deed things go a bit awry for Florence and Julien. There is also a parallel story that takes place as a result of things not going to plan but that's all I will say :) You will not be disappointed.

Moreau is excellent as she roams Paris at night looking for Julien and the camera often focuses on her face. Malle creates a mood and view of Paris at night, the Paris we would all like to know. Malle had Miles Davis write the score and it effectively works with the movie. Non jazz fans will, in my opinion, find it emphasizes the mood of the movie.

This movie would not work in anything but black and white as it emphasizes the griminess of Paris at night.

This was Moreau's breakout movie, leading to bigger roles.

If you get watch TCM, this should be available for another week or so.
 
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