About Samourai, Le

“Le Samourai”, a French film released in 1967, directed by Jean-Pierre Melville, can be classified under neo-noir and crime-thriller genres. The movie is known for its minimalist style, characterized by sparse dialogue and a muted color palette, reminiscent of a classic film noir.

The plot revolves around Jef Costello, a stoic and solitary hitman who carries out his jobs with a ruthless, surgical precision. After Costello is seen by witnesses his efforts to provide himself with an alibi drive him further into a corner. The film follows his struggles as the law enforcement and his own bosses close in on him.

Making / Production

“Le Samourai” was a labor of love for the director, Jean-Pierre Melville, who also wrote the screenplay. The movie was filmed on location in Paris and gave audiences a gritty, realistic portrayal of the city's underworld.

Actors

• Alain Delon as Jef Costello: Delon delivers a career-defining performance, using silence as a powerful tool of expression.
• François Périer as the Investigating Officer: Périer's performance is compelling as he embodies the relentless drive to solve the case.
• Nathalie Delon as Jane Lagrange: Nathalie (Alain's real-life wife) portrays Jane, lending emotion and depth to the minimal dialogues.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film's title and theme is inspired by the Bushido code of the Samurai.
• Alain Delon performed most of his own stunts in the film.
• The room in which Delon's character lives is almost completely bare, reflecting his minimalist and detached character.

Quotes

• "I never lose. Never really."
• "There is no greater solitude than that of the Samurai."

Music, Soundtrack

The film's score is composed by François de Roubaix. Noteworthy is the use of organ music, giving the film a somber and tense atmosphere. De Roubaix employed modern synthesizers along with classical instrumentation to craft a memorable soundtrack.