Considered “my first real feature” by the late director Claude Sautet (perhaps best known for 1992's arthouse hit En Coeur en Hiver), this 1960 classic thriller--closely adapted from a book by French criminal-turned-novelist José Giovanni--was poorly received by French critics, who were too busy praising the New Wave (Godard's Breathless had been released a few weeks earlier) to notice Sautet's originality in a genre with such now-revered classics (also available from Criterion) as Rififi, Touchez Pas au Grisbi, and Bob le Flambeur. While those other films deservedly gained their reputations, recognition of Sautet's film was delayed by several years (and it only played briefly in America in a poorly-dubbed version re-titled The Big Risk). Criterion's pristine DVD release follows the 2005 theatrical reissue, and is presented here with a new, fully restored high-definition digital transfer. A story of dishonor among thieves, Classe Tous Risques focuses on Italy-based gang chief Abel Davos (Lino Ventura), trying to return to Paris with his wife and children after a decade of hiding in Milan. Newly-minted Breathless star Jean-Paul Belmondo costars as the young, independent operator assigned as Davos' guardian, but their route to the City of Light is fraught with betrayals by Davos' former friends, and the plot thickens as threats appear from all directions. Sautet's emphasis on absolute realism and all-too-human emotions was just the shot of vitality that French thrillers needed, and in due course Classe Tous Risques was hailed as an exemplary film noir from the period. DVD extras include excerpts from a 2003 documentary on Sautet, an interview with Giovanni, archival interview footage featuring Ventura, and a booklet (with a personal appreciation by critic/director Bertrand Tavernier, a 1962 tribute by director Jean-Pierre Melville, and a reprinted interview with Sautet). Highly recommended. (J. Shannon)
Classe Tous Risques
Criterion, 108 min., in French w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $29.95 September 15, 2008
Classe Tous Risques
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