Le Cercle Rouge
By October 27, 2003
With his 1970 gangster epic, Le Cercle Rouge, Jean-Pierre Melville finally landed his white whale. The French maverick who changed his last name from Grumbach out of admiration Read more »
- France
- 1970
- 140 minutes
- Color
- 1.85:1
- French
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.
Cast & CreditsOpen
Cast
| Corey | Alain Delon |
| Captain Mattei | André Bourvil |
| Vogel | Gian Maria Volontè |
| Jansen | Yves Montand |
| The fence | Paul Crauchet |
| Chief of Internal Affairs | Paul Amiot |
| Prison guard | Pierre Collet |
| Rico | André Ekyan |
| Mattei's assistant | Jean-Pierre Posier |
| Santi | François Périer |
Credits
| Director | Jean-Pierre Melville |
| Producer | Robert Dorfmann |
| Sound | Jean Nény |
| Sets | Théo Meurisse |
| Cinematography | Henri Decaë |
| Music | Eric Demarsan |
| Editing | Marie-Sophie Dubus |
| Cameraman | Charles-Henri Montel |
| Costumes | Colette Baudot |
| Assistant director | Bernard Stora |
Disc Features
SPECIAL EDITION DOUBLE-DISC SET:
- Newly restored, complete, uncut version enhanced for widescreen televisions
- Excerpts from Cinéastes de notres temps: Jean-Pierre Melville (portrait en 9 poses)
- New video interviews with the author of Melville on Melville, Rui Nogueira, and assistant director Bernard Stora
- Thirty minutes of rare on-set footage featuring interviews with director Melville, and stars Alain Delon, Yves Montand, and André Bourvil
- Original theatrical trailer and 2003 Rialto Pictures re-release trailer
- New and improved English subtitle translation
- Production and publicity stills, poster gallery
- PLUS: A 24-page booklet featuring new essays by film critics Michael Sragow and Chris Fujiwara, an introduction from filmmaker John Woo, a reprinted interview with composer Eric Demarsan and excerpts from Melville on Melville
From the CurrentView the Current »
Film Essays
COMPOSER ERIC DEMARSAN
ON MELVILLE and LE CERCLE ROUGE
October 27, 2003
After L’armée des ombres (Army of Shadows), Melville and I stayed in touch, either by phone or visits to his home on the rue Jenner to Read more »
