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Elevator to the Gallows(Criterion Collection)(2 disc)

 

 

Written and Directed by Louis Malle

France 1957 / Thriller / Crime / Romance / Psychological / Post-Noir / 92 min / Black & White / Monaural /
1.66: 1 Widescreen Anamorphic / NTSC /  In French with Optional English Subtitles

 

Jeanne Moreau, Maurice Ronet, Georges Poujouly, Lino Ventura, Felix Marten, Jean Wall .

The feature-film debut of famed director Louis Malle is an interesting, modern film noir with the classic theme of lovers plotting to kill the husband and make it look like suicide (reminiscent of The Postman Always Rings Twice). Jean Moreau, as Florence Carala, gives an astonishing performance, perverse but naive as she leads her young lover down a path that can only lead to doom for both of them. Malle and his cinematographer Henri Decae make extensive use of Paris at night, giving the film the feel of claustrophobia and desperation reminiscent of the classic noir films. The excellent score by Miles Davis adds to the entire effect of this mystery thriller.

 
       
Bonus Features: New, restored high-definition digital transfer / Theatrical trailers / New and improved English subtitle translation / New interview with actor Jeanne Moreau / Archival interviews with director Louis Malle, actors Maurice Ronet and Jeanne Moreau, and original soundtrack session pianist René Urtreger / Footage of Miles Davis and Louis Malle from the soundtrack recording session / New video program about the score, with jazz trumpeter Jon Faddis and critic Gary Giddins / Malle's student film Crazeologie, featuring the title song by Charlie Parker