☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Le Cercle Rouge (1970) -- J.-P. Melville
A long prelude to the
actual heist shows us how all the players came to be "in the red
circle" at the same time -- Delon just out of jail, Volonte escaping
arrest by Bourvil, and Montand in bed with the DTs but ready to go cold
turkey. The heist itself is methodically
plotted (and shot). The denouement brings all the vectors together (yes, in the
red circle), as Bourvil makes his move. In fact, in this film, Melville seems
to spend as much time detailing the cop's position as he does (as is his wont)
the crook's. Everyone, on both sides, is tough and cool -- they don't blink,
they just get on with it, even when shit happens. Red circles appear now and
again, but the film is primarily blue and gold.
Probably the fourth best Melville film (after Le Samourai, Le Doulos,
and Army of the Shadows), but still great.
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