Remarkably confident and smooth mid fifties outing from Jean-Pierre Melville. Fabulous and innovative b/w cinematography looking very crisp on the Blu-ray with unusual angles and well designed interiors complimenting the immaculate location shooting. Dreamy overhead shots of Parisian streets and closer shots at street level in Pigalle plus the most amazing reconnoitring of the casino as the exterior line is drawn while motoring around the whole. I am not particularly enamoured with Roger Duchesne's performance and wonder if he shouldn't have played it more for laughs, but the rest are good and there is a sensationally good (and very modern) performance from young Isabelle Corey. The final gambling sequence is possibly overlong but it is so well done with the clock ticking and the bemusement of those gathered about him and his pile of chips, all can be forgiven. For the rest the film is immaculately paced and has a wonderful look throughout.
Review of Bob the Gambler
