Crime

  • Ira Sachs – Married Life (2007)

    Drama2001-2010CrimeIra SachsUSA

    Quote:
    Very often films which are defiant of genre categorisation can easily come across as messy and imprecise, but in Ira Sachs’ “Married Life,” he blends dark comedy, suspense and stylish melodrama into a contemporary throwback, conceptualised from a male perspective, to the film noir facet of the glamour of the 40’s in a wholesome package that keeps the viewer on their toes every step of the way. Audiences will either revel in the manner in which the film strays from a singular course or they will find annoyance in the seemingly directionless film, with an insubordinate mixture of tones and principles, in a way that very much resembles reality. What the film does not manage to do is balance its daring concept will an entirely fulfilling outcome, and perhaps “Married Life” is too modest for its own good.Read More »

  • Roman Polanski – Frantic (1988)

    1981-1990CrimeRoman PolanskiThrillerUSA

    Synopsis:
    A doctor and his wife go to Paris for a medical conference. While showering, his wife disappears. His lack of language, and the odd way she disappeared makes it nearly impossible for him to find any official help in his search as he enters the punk/drug culture to find out what has happened to her.Read More »

  • Édouard Molinaro – Le gang des otages AKA The Hostage Gang (1973)

    1971-1980CrimeDramaÉdouard MolinaroFrance

    Nora Sayre, New York Times wrote:
    Building apprehension in an audience requires a particular skill; quite often, we need to be nervous about the combination of personalities and their sudden responses to one another, their capacity for violence of craziness, in order to give a hoot about who gets chased or shot.

    Edouard Molinaro’s “The Hostages,” playing today and tomorrow at the First Avenue Screening Room, is an unusually intelligent action picture, partly because it stresses how dangerous a self-destructive persons can be.The movie is based on a recent case in France. A drifter with a fearfully short fuse falls in and out of prison; between assaults and armed robberies, he marries a call girl and the hold-ups continue until they’re arrested.Read More »

  • Jean-Pierre Melville – Le Cercle Rouge AKA The Red Circle (1970)

    1961-1970CrimeDramaFranceJean-Pierre Melville

    Synopsis:
    Master thief Corey (Alain Delon) is fresh out of prison. But instead of toeing the line of law-abiding freedom, he finds his steps leading back to the shadowy world of crime, crossing those of a notorious escapee (Gian Maria Volonté) and alcoholic ex-cop (Yves Montand). As the unlikely trio plots a heist against impossible odds, their trail is pursued by a relentless inspector (Bourvil), and fate seals their destinies. Jean-Pierre Melville’s Le cercle rouge combines honorable anti-heroes, coolly atmospheric cinematography, and breathtaking set pieces to create a masterpiece of crime cinema.Read More »

  • Jean Delannoy – Maigret et l’affaire Saint-Fiacre AKA Maigret and the St. Fiacre Case (1959)

    1951-1960CrimeFranceJean DelannoyMystery

    Synopsis:
    Inspector Maigret returns to his home town and is reminiscing over his past when he receives a call for help from the Duchess of Saint-Fiacre. She has just received an anonymous letter informing her that she will soon die. A short while later she does indeed die, from a heart attack. Convinced that she was murdered, Maigret begins his investigation…
    – Films de FranceRead More »

  • Pilar Miró – Beltenebros aka Prince of Shadows (1991)

    1991-2000CrimeDramaPilar MiróSpain

    Madrid, 1962. More than twenty years after the civil war has finished, a communist comes back to Spain to kill a traitor.Read More »

  • André Barsacq – Le rideau rouge AKA Crimson Curtain (1952)

    Drama1951-1960André BarsacqCrimeFrance

    Quote:
    Playwright Jean Anouilh was the guiding force behind the unorthodox murder mystery. During a provincial theatre production of Macbeth, several tragedies occur. The actors attribute these calamities to the “curse” supposedly hanging over the Shakespeare play, but police inspector Jean Brochard doesn’t buy this…Read More »

  • Steno – Copacabana Palace (1962)

    1961-1970ComedyCrimeItalyQueer Cinema(s)Steno

    This film is also known as “The Girl Game” and “Saga of the Flying Hostesses”. The film takes place during Carnival Time in Rio De Janeiro. As unconfined joy wafts its way through the streets, the lives of several fabulously wealthy visitors and a group of voluptuous stewardesses intersect, sometimes with startling results. Sylvia Koscina and Mylene Demongeot are among the visual delights of this garish romp. Featuring the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim.Read More »

  • Goran Rusinovic – Mondo Bobo (1997)

    1991-2000CrimeCroatiaDramaGoran Rusinovic

    Quote:
    A young man is forced to shoot a few thugs in self defence. Following the advice of his lawyer, he surrenders to the police and ends up in a mental institution. From there he escapes but his path soon becomes littered with corpses.Read More »

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