Alain Delon

My first introduction to Alain Delon was very recent. I was captivated at the strength and charisma of this striking Frenchman's acting. Delon's filmography is quite extensive and I have just begun to scratch the surface. Here are a few notes on what I have watched so far...




Le Samourai - 1967

I watched this film quite sometime ago after I had seen Ghost Dog The Way Of The Samurai,
by Jim Jarmusch.
Only then did I start to understand what he meant in the previous post.
I thank him for opening my eyes to the films of Jean-Pierre Melville. If you've seen both, you will notice the scenes in which Jarmusch pays homage.
Le Samourai draws you into the world of Jef Costello, the most disciplined and smartly dressed hitman you will ever encounter on screen. The title of the film comes from Costello's belief in living the way of the samurai's Bushido code. The film's narrative by Delon gives it impact when explaining the code of principals to the watcher. This film is considered a minimalist thriller by some. I agree on to some point that it is, however Le Samourai has many layers under it's seemingly stark exterior, and aside from it's lack of dialog, is a visually fantastic film that speaks volumes to me.


La Piscine - 1969
























La Piscine (The Swimming Pool) was directed by Jaques Deray who also directed Delon in a few other films as well.
The opening sequence is quite stunning and memorable. The majority of the film is played out around the symbolic swimming pool. A young and affluent couple (Delon and Romy Schneider) decide to take a trip to their amazing villa in the French Riviera. They are called upon by an old friend played by Maurice Ronet, and his young daughter Penelope, played by the alluring Jane Birkin. After Delon's character is washed out professionally, his wife's former lover (Ronet) tries to rekindle his relationship with Marianne (played by Schneider).
An intense web of jealousy ensues.


Le Gitan - 1975























Le Gitan was directed by Jose Giovanni in the latter years of his career. This film basically shows the struggle of an outlaw gypsy Hugo Sennart, played convincingly by Delon. There are some realistic shots of how tough the gypsies had it, yet they still manage to have some pride and dignity within their culture. Also included are some great action sequences and again, Delon pierces the screen with his gritty demeanor. The ending falls somewhat flat but does not, in my opinion, detract from this great story. Django Rhinehardt composing a good portion the soundtrack is an added bonus as well.
Also worth mentioning are:
Plein Soleil - 1960 (The original version of "The Talented Mr. Ripley")
Girl On A Motorcycle - 1968 (With Marianne Faithful)
Le Circle Rouge - 1970