Rififi Chez Les Hommes (1954)

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ½

Rififi Chez Les Hommes (1954) – J. Dassin

Ah, the Parisian gangster flick -- so many great ones. Here, the aging Jean Servais masterminds a (soundless) jewel heist. His world-weariness is impressive but underneath that tough cynical exterior, he is loyal and even affectionate (except when he beats his girlfriend -- not good). Generally, I prefer Melville over Dassin (but I won't forget Touchez Pas Au Grisbi by Becker in my list of greats either).