Visionary director Jean-Pierre Melville, precursor of the French New Wave [Bob le Flambeur (1956)], is cited as an influence for filmmakers John Woo, Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorsese. The Red Circle is Melville’s masterpiece, bringing new levels of meaning and depth to the film noir genre. Beginning with the spectacular escape of Vogel (Gian Maria Volonté), super-thief Corey (Alain Delon) – fresh out of prison – comes to his aid.

Brought together by fate, they plot an ambitious heist, but to pull it off they need a sharpshooter – alcoholic ex-cop Jansen (Yves Montand). All the elements of a classic American crime film are present but seen through a uniquely French prism. (MPR)

Dr. Douglas Smith, Senior Lecturer, School of Languages and Literature, UCD, will introduce this screening.

Showing as part of the IFI French Film Festival 2015 (November 18th – 29th)