Film Still

Le cercle rouge

Jean-Pierre Melville

France

1970

140 minutes

Color

1.85:1

French

218

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

CoreyAlain Delon
Captain MatteiAndré Bourvil
VogelGian-Maria Volonté
JansenYves Montand
The fencePaul Crauchet
Chief of Internal AffairsPaul Amiot
Prison guardPierre Collet
RicoAndré Ekyan
Mattei's assistantJean-Pierre Posier
SantiFrançois Périer

Credits

DirectorJean-Pierre Melville
ProducerRobert Dorfmann
SoundJean Nény
SetsThéo Meurisse
CinematographyHenri Decaë
MusicEric Demarsan
EditingMarie-Sophie Dubus
CameramanCharles-Henri Montel
CostumesColette Baudot
Assistant directorBernard 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 Current

Le Cercle Rouge

by Michael Sragow Oct 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 for Herman Melville had long since established himself as that most contradictory, elusive...

COMPOSER ERIC DEMARSAN
ON MELVILLE and LE CERCLE ROUGE

Oct 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 talk about music. One day he announced: “I’m going to make a new film. You’re not composing the score for it; I’ve contacted Michel Legrand….” Of...

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