Becker Films

157. Le Trou (1960) - Becker. Realistic story of 5 convicts who attempt a prison break. Unlike most Prison escape movies the trick is not how to break out of the cell - but how to get outside the prison. And the prisoners must find a variety of ingenious - but plausible solutions - to every problem. Becker uses wordless action and nonprofessional actors. There is a complete lack of the usual Hollywood cliche. The only complaints are (1) there's a little too much wordless digging and pounding and (2) while very good its still just a prison break movie. Rating ***1/2

169. Touchez pas an Grisbi (1954) - Jacque Becker. Excellent French Gangster film that stars Jean Gabin as "Max" - an old Gangster who only wants to retire with the "loot" he's stashed away from a previous job. Unfortunately, someone else has a different idea. Beautifully photographed and well acted. A little slow at first, but it builds to an exciting finish. As with his other films, the characters seem to be real people. Rating ***


Casque D'or - Becker. 1899 Doomed romance between a crook gone straight and a gangster moll (Simone Signoret). Beautifully photographed, everyone looks like they stepped out of a Renoir painting. Signoret rightfully won several awards for her portrayal of the self-confident but romantic gun moll. The script was tight and kept me interested the whole time. Rating ***1/2