Rent Le Samouraï (1967)

Superb French Classic - Le Samouraï review by RD

Just about everything in this film is done to perfection. From the opening titles showing M. Delon relaxing on a bed in his apartment, smoking, in a shot that could be cut and printed as a piece of art, the photography is exemplary. The transcription to Blu Ray is also excellent with pin sharp focus in all scenes.

M Delon exudes class as the hired killer, looking stylish at all times. Very little dialogue is used in the film, it depends on skilfull cinematography to tell the story and maintains the classic atmosphere.

The story concerns the police investigation after a killing of a nightclub owner. The police follow the killer, and the chases are beautifully shot and edited with just the right amount of pace.

This is a film not to be missed.

Classic French Thriller - Le Samouraï review by GI

A surprisingly influential film among other filmmakers with many citing it as one of their favourite films including the likes of Martin Scorsese. It's possibly the first real depiction of the professional assassin as a cool, laconic character which has been much utilised since in films such as The Killer (2023) and Ghost Dog: The Way Of The Samurai (1999), the latter being almost a remake. The hitman as a dedicated professional devoid of apparent emotional ties can be found in other films e.g. Collateral (2004) and so viewing Le Samouraï today it's easy to make more contemporary comparisons. Alain Delon, in one of his most famous roles plays the contract killer Jef. He's been hired to kill a club owner and carries out the hit but is unfortunately seen by some witnesses. But Jef has arranged his alibi very carefully and so when picked up by the police is able to quickly get himself released. Unfortunately for him he still has a worried employer out to kill him and a police detective who is convinced he's their killer. The narrative is a sort of cat and mouse scenario with police surveillance through Paris and especially the Metro (these are very reminiscent of the surveillance scenes that William Friedkin utilised in his 1971 The French Connection), the underworld's own killer is lurking around and Jef has to take action. It's a moody, atmospheric film, a modern crime thriller that is quintessential European in style and which would come to influence the American New wave directors that were soon to hit the mainstream. An interesting film when viewed today and certainly one film fans should ensure they check out.