Title: Le Cercle Rouge
Description: *The Original Film*
Description: *The Original Film*
Jesse - March 24, 2008 10:19 PM (GMT)
Le Cercle Rouge
I thought I would do some research on the original film 'Le Cercle Rouge'. I've found a couple of interesting and informative reviews...
From Reel Movie Critic
I thought I would do some research on the original film 'Le Cercle Rouge'. I've found a couple of interesting and informative reviews...
From Reel Movie Critic
| QUOTE |
| Like his famous American namesake, Jean-Pierre Melville's stories are more than meets the eye. An admirer of writer Herman Melville and many things American, his films are deceptively simple. With little dialog and a sound track that consists primarily of natural effects, le Cercle Rouge is among his very best. This spellbinding French noir works famously as a straightforward jewel heist by a noble, if brutal, trio of pros. On another level, it is also a masterful portrait of primitive human connections, notably male, based on the dynamics of the moment. Without regard to the future but mindful of past betrayals; guilt, loyalty and chance and atonement are its' key elements. Women are strictly decorative or exist as conduits of past treachery; the red circle is a man's world. First and foremost, it's a great gangster film. As newly released ex-con Corey, Alain Delon, whose mustached upper lip puts a rougher edge on his beauty, is arguably one of the most watchable faces of the 20th century. On the day Corey is exiting prison (wearing an improbably cool trench coat) after a five-year stint, another convict, Vogel (Gian Maria Volonté) makes a bold escape from a moving train and from police Captain Mattei (André Bourvil). Before he was released, Corey received a tip about a perfect high stakes job needing a delicately balanced team to pull off. The chance meeting of Vogel and Corey, intersecting in Melville's fictional Buddhist "red circle" (alluded to in the mystical, abstract introductory scene), sets in motion a plan to carry out the theft if they can hook up with the right third man needed for the job. A crony recommends Jansen (Yves Montand), a sharpshooter ex-cop perfect for the task if he can put his alcoholic DTs at bay. The essence of what movie magic is all about is creating a mood that carries us off to another place. No one is better at creating that mood than Melville, with these players, so natural at their craft, and flawless cinematography by Henri Decaë, this elemental piece is riveting. The writer of Bob le Flambeur, recently remade as The Good Thief, Melville asserts that the guilt of all men, as the police chief reminds Mattei, is unquestionable. These guys have all been around the block and are very, very cool. They've internalized a code of living that instinctively accepts its truths: that life is short, that you don't betray someone you like, that someone you like may betray you. As Mattei puts the puzzle together and turns up the heat, the thieves retain their impenetrable cool. A careful recklessness guides their actions and their loyalties. Their terrain is the present, plans for the future do not occupy their minds. A simple, unyielding system of honor among thieves underlies their choices. Rialto Pictures continues its mission of restoring and re-releaseing superb films in new prints, with Melville apostle John Woo listed here as presenter. Following the recent success of such first rate and little seen films as Pepe le Moko, Quai des Orfeveres, and Rififi, le Cercle Rouge joins the collection. Melville's second to last picture before his death in 1973 at age 55, this film ended his career with a bang. With his gritty post world war II films, he was considered by many to be on the vanguard of the French New Wave, spawning a new generation of filmmakers including François Truffaut and Claude Chabrol. The long wordless heist scene was ahead of its time and still captivating. The smooth, brisk editing finishes 140 minutes of great enjoyment. |
| QUOTE |
| JOHN WOO ON "LE CERCLE ROUGE" Le Cercle Rouge is visually arresting and powerful in its silence. There is not much dialogue and the silence creates a more dramatic cinematic language as it draws more attention to the story and the great moments of the actors’ performance. By creating a cool, calm atmosphere with immaculate camerawork and precise editing rhythms, his style and message move with his actors as they deliver their soulful performances. Melville’s themes embody the spirit of honor, loyalty, and tragic destiny among characters played by fate. These classic themes are also found in ancient Chinese and Japanese philosophies and cultures[1]. I believe in this kind of romanticism. These valuable lessons of spiritual morality draw me into his movies and make me feel like we are in the same world. The romantic values of friendship and brotherhood expressed in this movie are almost impossible to find today. They are another reason why Le Cercle Rouge became a classic gangster film. There is no mistaking that Le Cercle Rouge is a Jean-Pierre Melville movie, as all of the elements synchronize to his vision. Melville was the coolest, most stylish auteur of his time. I've long admired him for his spirit and his movies. He's had a great influence on my work. -- John Woo, December 2002 |
libra - March 24, 2008 10:53 PM (GMT)
I realize this film will be shot mostly in Hong Kong, but wonder if Orlando will be practising his French skills in language.
mayfrayn - March 24, 2008 11:03 PM (GMT)
I think the original movie was French, but this new one will be in modern times and not in France, so I don't know if Orlando will need to speak French.....
libra - March 24, 2008 11:10 PM (GMT)
Not saying he will, just wondering if he will.
Jesse - March 25, 2008 09:30 AM (GMT)
It would certainly be interesting if Orlando decided to speak English with a French accent as a homage to the original film. There are all manner of possibilities at the moment.
Remember the fun we had speculating the storyline and character arc's of AWE?
Remember the fun we had speculating the storyline and character arc's of AWE?
libra - March 25, 2008 12:57 PM (GMT)
I think Johnny To has alot of plans for this film, and just because it is being filmed in Hong Kong doesn't preclude it to just there. I almost can envision this "thief" being kind of a James Bond type guy. Orlando has already displayed that with his martial arts training so far, and if he did speak French, it would be another talent of his to showcase. Whatever he does, he will make the role his own style.
Jocy - March 26, 2008 06:05 PM (GMT)
These are some wonderful ideas, ladies... :flirt:
"Thief with a James Bond style"? I would love that... :wub:
and referring to what the wonderful John Woo said 2002 about this movie, I'm terrribly anxious to see it – and see Orlando in it, as it seems to be challenging on an actor's performing skills, without using many words... I know, he'll manage this task beautifully and with his own special touch to it....
so I'm very looking forward... :D
(Haven't found the original around here yet... :cry: but I won'r give up... :rolleyes: )
"Thief with a James Bond style"? I would love that... :wub:
and referring to what the wonderful John Woo said 2002 about this movie, I'm terrribly anxious to see it – and see Orlando in it, as it seems to be challenging on an actor's performing skills, without using many words... I know, he'll manage this task beautifully and with his own special touch to it....
so I'm very looking forward... :D
(Haven't found the original around here yet... :cry: but I won'r give up... :rolleyes: )
Jesse - March 26, 2008 07:58 PM (GMT)
Jocy, I've been doing a little digging around on YouTube and have found the following clips...
Le Cercle Rouge - The Original Trailer which has a lot of Corey in various clips.
The Billiards Scene - again with Corey, English subtitles.
The Field Scene - more of Corey, no subtitles. (Can anyone translate?)
Just watching these short clips I can definitely see Orlando playing Corey, its almost like watching Orlando now, they look so much alike.
So anyway, I then try to visualise the martial arts added to this and I'm getting...Inspector Clouseau! :lshic:
Le Cercle Rouge - The Original Trailer which has a lot of Corey in various clips.
The Billiards Scene - again with Corey, English subtitles.
The Field Scene - more of Corey, no subtitles. (Can anyone translate?)
Just watching these short clips I can definitely see Orlando playing Corey, its almost like watching Orlando now, they look so much alike.
So anyway, I then try to visualise the martial arts added to this and I'm getting...Inspector Clouseau! :lshic:
libra - March 26, 2008 09:02 PM (GMT)
Jesse
Thanks for posting these. I too can easily see him in this role, and given that it is French, and Orlando speaks French, I'd love for him to do part of it in that language.
There is a great interview of Alain Delon with Cavatt that is wonderful. You can easily see Orlando in that role. C'est Buon
Thanks for posting these. I too can easily see him in this role, and given that it is French, and Orlando speaks French, I'd love for him to do part of it in that language.
There is a great interview of Alain Delon with Cavatt that is wonderful. You can easily see Orlando in that role. C'est Buon
orlisnjangel - March 26, 2008 10:09 PM (GMT)
o my goodness..
I'm so excited all ready ^^ :ex:
I'm so excited all ready ^^ :ex:
Jocy - March 27, 2008 01:59 PM (GMT)
Thank you, thank you, thank you... :wub: