Plot: What’s it about?
Jef Costello (Alain Delon) runs his life like clockwork. He adheres to a strict schedule, is direct with his plans, and never seems to miss a beat. He is not a businessman, at least not in the typical sense, instead he is a contract killer. Costello treats his profession with immense respect and consideration, he plans his hits with attention to detail and never wavers from that plan. He has women in place to provide him alibis, he has connections all over the place, and he thinks out all possible situations. He has his own code of behavior and he follows that code, so while he is a hired assassin, he does have rules that govern his life. But when someone betrays him, he begins to question all those decisions he has made. Out of his numerous connections, which ones can he truly trust and which ones will stab him in the back? As the police bear down him, he tries to keep one step ahead of them, but can he escape this one time his plan backfired?
If you’re a fan of crime cinema, then the films of Jean-Pierre Melville are ones you must seek out. Melville has influenced countless filmmakers, including John Woo and Quentin Tarantino, both of whom take a lot from this film, Le Samourai. You can see a lot of this film if you watch The Killer and Woo has announced a remake of Melville’s The Red Circle, so his influence in that case is obvious. I don’t know if the concept of the cool, cold killer with a strict code he lives by was first seen in Le Samourai, but even if not, Melville’s take polishes and perfects that premise. As much influence as the film has had, I found Le Samourai to be lacking in some respects, though still a good movie. Alain Delon turns in a solid performance, but he is just not that believable as a killer, nor does he have the kind of charismatic menace this kind of role needs. The narrative is also off at times, but not enough to make a big deal over. I don’t think Le Samourai is as good as some make it out to be, but it is a solid flick and Criterion’s DVD is recommended.
Video: How does it look?
Le Samourai is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. I am pleased with the source material condition and overall appearance of this presentation. The print used has some rough places, but not as much as expected, very clean and impressive indeed. The film’s subdued color scheme comes across well here, so don’t be alarmed by the faded hues found in this transfer. I saw no errors with the contrast either, as black levels seem accurate and detail level is very strong here. Another fine treatment from Criterion here, fans should be very pleased indeed.
Audio: How does it sound?
This disc uses a mono track in the original French language, which is a basic, but adequate effort in all respects. I do think the elements seem a little thin at times, but I think is due to the source materials and not this audio transfer. The very cool musical score, sound effects, and vocals all surface in solid form, no real complaints to be made in the least. I think the thin presence might throw off some viewers, but I think this is about as good as this one’s ever going to sound. This disc also includes optional English subtitles, in case you should need them.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes a number of interviews, including archival pieces with Melville and several cast members, as well new interviews with two men who wrote books on Meville. This disc also includes the film’s theatrical trailer.
