An amazing surprise unfolded with my first viewing of Pepe Le Moko, an amazingly atmospheric tale of a man willingly trapped by the labyrinth that is the Casbah, an attractive criminal with a flair for smart dress and a personal code that makes him a legend on the streets.
There is a reason that Marlene Dietrich claimed that Jean Gabin was the only man she truly loved, and it's evident here; he's not conventionally handsome, but his honesty and intelligence shine through, and Duvivier sets up so many memorable set pieces one must return to the film again to wholly experience them: in one, a cowardly traitor falls against a player piano setting off a giddy tune while he is stalked by a dying gang member barely able to focus his gun; in another--well, experience them for yourself! This is not a conventional thriller top heavy with special effects, but a subtle examination of character taunted by the promise of a romantic future. It's a potent reminder of how important character can be in a significant story, how much more effective a good story than computer-generated effects.
There is a reason that Marlene Dietrich claimed that Jean Gabin was the only man she truly loved, and it's evident here; he's not conventionally handsome, but his honesty and intelligence shine through, and Duvivier sets up so many memorable set pieces one must return to the film again to wholly experience them: in one, a cowardly traitor falls against a player piano setting off a giddy tune while he is stalked by a dying gang member barely able to focus his gun; in another--well, experience them for yourself! This is not a conventional thriller top heavy with special effects, but a subtle examination of character taunted by the promise of a romantic future. It's a potent reminder of how important character can be in a significant story, how much more effective a good story than computer-generated effects.