About Shoot the Piano Player

Shoot the Piano Player (French: Tirez sur le pianiste) is a 1960 French New Wave crime drama film directed by Francois Truffaut and produced by Pierre Braunberger. The film is a blend of thriller, comedy, and tragedy, where a man's past circumstances catch up within his present life, drawing him back into a world of crime.

Plot and Summary

The film tells the story of a once-renowned concert pianist, Charlie Kohler (Charles Aznavour), who now plays in a bar to make ends meet. His life takes a dark turn when his criminal brothers get him involved in their nefarious activities, dragging him back into the life he had left behind. The complicated story takes unexpected turns, revealing Charlie's past and its tragic aspects.

Making / Production

Directed by Francois Truffaut, the film was an adaptation of David Goodis' novel 'Down There'. Pierre Braunberger served as the producer while Raoul Coutard was in charge of cinematography. Despite being a low-budget film, it became a novel piece in cinema history because of its innovative storytelling and framings.

Actors

• Charles Aznavour as Charlie Kohler/Edouard Saroyan: Aznavour's performance was highly lauded. His portrayal of the dual-faced character was deeply grim and moving, effectively carrying the film's emotional depth.
• Marie Dubois as Lena: Lena is Charlie's love interest in the film. Dubois's natural performance added an additional charm and nuanced character development.
• Nicole Berger as Therese Saroyan: Nicole played Therese, Charlie's tragic first wife, resonating with despair and tragedy.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film's original French title Tirez sur le pianiste literally means 'Shoot the Pianist'.
• Despite being a source of inspiration for many later films, it was initially not a box-office success.
• This film marked the breakthrough of the French New Wave style of filmmaking.

Quotes

• "One must choose: die... or lie? I never could bear to die." - Charlie
• "Too bad I can't put my arms around the piano." - Charlie

Music, Soundtrack

• Title: Main Theme - A melancholic piece in line with the film's tragic undertones, composed by Georges Delerue.
• Song: "Charlie" - A song performed by Aznavour's character in the film, adding to the narrative depth.

Awards

Despite the film's cultural impact, it didn't win any major awards during its time. However, the legacy of 'Shoot the Piano Player' is marked by its significant influence on other filmmakers and its lasting relevance in film studies.