Released: April 13, 1955a.k.a.: Du rififi chez les hommes
Director: Jules Dassin; Screenplay: Auguste le Breton, Jules Dassin and Rene Wheeler based on le Breton’s novel; Cinematography: Philippe Agostini; Music: Georges Auric; Producers: Henri Berard, Pierre Cabaud and Rene Wheeler; Studio: Pathé
Cast: Jean Servais (Tony le Stéphanois), Carl Möhner (Jo le Suedois), Robert Manuel (Mario Ferrati), Jules Dassin (Cesar le Milanais), Marie Sabouret (Mado les Grands Bras), Janine Darcey (Louise le Suedois), Claude Sylvain (Ida Ferrati), Marcel Lupovici (Pierre Grutter), Pierre Grasset (Louis Grutter/Louis le Tatoué), Robert Hossein (Remi Grutter), Magali Noël (Viviane), Dominique Maurin (Tonio le Suedois)
Rififi: This is the film, a masterpiece of French Cinema, that was the most influential in launching the French New Wave in the 1950s. Based on the novel of the same name by Auguste Le Breton, who's a very interesting character in his own right, Rififi, which roughly translates into the word "trouble", is a simple, yet deceivingly complex tale of a jewelry store robbery set in France. Simple in the sense that the story is so straightforward; complex in the sense that it starts from absolutely nothing in the first scene (at least that's what the film fools you into thinking!), but with each ensuing scene piling on most sublimely a masterpiece of character and plot. The low budget it was shot on screams out in the opening scenes, but that is quickly forgotten as the realism of the characters and story takes over. Each scene is so packed with ever mounting tension you cannot help but sit there riveted as you let it wash over you. Jean Servais plays Tony le Stephanois, Carl Mohner plays Jo, Robert Manuel plays Mario, and Jules Dassin himself plays the italian safecracker Cesar. They seem a quite improbable band of burglars when they first meet. And their target seems way beyond the scope of their reach. But again, this film is highly deceptive, and before you know it they are in action, committed in their daring, and one of the most celebrated heist scenes ever filmed is under way. The heist takes up a half hour of the movie, and is shot almost completely without sound. It is riveting. But even this climactic tour de force caper scene is not the climax of the film--- it's just the middle! See it now - there's a free link I found- enjoy!
I hope this blog was helpful to you.
I just started this so I'm learning the ropes- it's a lot of fun so far-- coming next: more cool films of the french new wave. The answer to the poll question below is on the bottom of the next page- the Jules Dassin page. Good luck!
