Touchez Pas au Grisbi - Criterion Collection (1960)

A Giant of French Cinema.

There are not many words by which to describe the awesome 'combination' of the Sir Laurence Olivier/Marlon Brando 'version' of One of the most well-accomplished French Actors, ever to 'explode' upon the Silver Screen, the magnificent, Jean Gabin. This motion picture "Touchez Pas au Grisbi", is, about loyalty, the macho camaraderie binding the 'participants', as well as the unwritten law of never 'grassing up' your 'mates.' The word "loyalty" which is the clear message this film conveys, suggests, that, any man who is disloyal, lacks in character, and, basic moral fibre. Should this be the case, then, 'he'; is 'no good' to his friends, or to; anybody else. February 23, 2008

Money makes the (under)world go round...

A classic! Don't miss it!
Un classique à ne pas manquer. January 5, 2007

masculine loneliness

Yes, it is about gangsters. But to any Continental old enough to have seen this movie first in a small suburban movie theater full of smoke (when the basic idea was 'I will grow up and do this kind of things'), then to have seen it again in late night showings on a black-and-white TV (when it was already slightly fading away, towards nostalgia), and finally in poor VHS and in the admirable Criterion edition, it will be mostly about growing old, and experiencing that specific form of loneliness that is one of the glories of old males. Eating a leftover terrine of foie gras with a baguette in the company of an old friend may be more quintessential to spirit of this movie than any crime scene. September 28, 2006

Classic French gangster film . . .

This film, made in 1954, is an ironic look at an ageing gangster ready to go into retirement, having pulled off one last heist - several bars of gold - which gets him into a life and death conflict with several younger hoods plotting to steal it from him. He is accompanied by a long-time partner, and director Becker makes much of the friendship between them as they talk of getting too old for the life of night clubbing and show girls. Gabin is wonderful in this role, rarely smiling, often a little bored, while maintaining an air of gravitas appropriate for a suave, well dressed man of considerable reputation among his peers.

The film moves rather slowly as it sets up the situation while taking time to humanize the characters, but eventually there is excitement enough as a kidnapping leads to a dramatic car chase, automatic gunfire, and explosives. The script is tightly knit, taking place over a period of 36 hours, and the cinematography is impressive for the time, as so much was shot in the streets of night-time Paris or in the darkened countryside (actually the Riviera). A revealing "floor show" is also in stark contrast to the Production Code-regulated exposure of skin permitted in Hollywood films of the 1950s.

As the interviews on this DVD reveal, only Gabin among its cast (including Lino Venturra and a very young Jeanne Moreau) was known to film audiences at the time, and Gabin had long since ceased being a bankable "star." This film was a comeback role for him and it helped launch the careers of Venturra and Moreau. Altogether, this DVD re-release offers many pleasures for fans of film noir and landmarks of popular French cinema. The collection of interviews from various sources, including Lino Venturra and the film's composer, are especially informative. June 8, 2006

Touchez Pas au Grisbi

Jacques Becker's tight, intelligent thriller out-noirs most American entries. The magnetic presence of Gabin, France's answer to Tracy and Bogart, helps immeasurably. Gabin's Max is tough as they come, but also shows a human side in his unwavering loyalty to careless pal Riton. Becker keeps the yarn unraveling at a brisk pace, as Max's long-awaited retirement remains suspended in mid-air. Eye catching Paris locale adds flavor to this juicy crime classic. September 7, 2005

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