Elevator to the Gallows - A French Noir

 

Elevator to the Gallows is my favorite French film. It’s a Noir, very moody, with lots of unexpected turns and twists. The background music by Miles Davis will wilt your heart with its sad, haunting melodies.

Jeanne Moreau plays Florence, who, aided by her lover, Julien (Maurice Ronet), plots to rid herself of her rich husband. Things never go as planned in the Noir Universe, so of course, once the deed is done, everything falls apart.

There is a side story about a strange young couple (Georges Poujouly and Yori Bertin) who go for a joyride in Julien’s car and wind up in a helluva mess.

Jeanne Moreau was so beautiful; it’s hard to take your eyes off of her whenever she is on the screen - everyone else kind of fades into the scenery.

It’s a stark example of the price one pays for violence. If you’ve never seen a French Noir, this is a great introduction to the genre.