Elevator to the Gallows

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Allan C @RT15713161 Jan 5 More noir than French New Wave Elevator to the Gallows (1958) **** Louis Malle’s Elevator to the Gallows is a stylish debut that plays more like classic noir than full-fledged French New Wave, with a familiar crime plot elevated by atmosphere. Miles Davis’s moody jazz score and Jeanne Moreau’s mesmerizing, wordless performance—wandering the streets of Paris in quiet despair—are the film’s true revelations. Despite a coincidence-heavy story, its strong ending and standout artistry make it a flawed but essential watch for cinephiles. FULL REVIEW HERE: https://letterboxd.com/film/elevator-to-the-gallows/ See more Ghalib D. @Gdhalla Oct 12 Some sublime moments especially when accompanied by Miles’ score and the cinematography. See more Kevin L @Lakeman Aug 28 Just watched "Elevator To the Gallows". Pretty ludicrous; only it's not meant to be, like "North By Northwest" apparently was. Makes a HUGE ask of the audience to suspend disbelief that he would somehow forget to take down the rope w/ the hook w/ which he had JUST used to climb up & down from the victim's office. Plus, the acting was so wooden and hokey; esp. from Moreau. Like bad stage acting. Very French acting style for the time. As if they were all trying to look cool rather than realistic and natural. If the movie was made & released today, it would be savaged by many a critic and viewer. Great musical score from Davis, Clarke and the rest of the musicians. 2.5 stars See more Luca D @JoeCamel7 May 27 Masterclass in film, not in writing. The score, the acting, and the cinematography are all masterclass but this film falls short in its plot. Though the plot is an interesting concept there are way too many holes in it for it to make complete sense. There is no "perfect crime" when you leave a key piece of evidence at the scene, and leave your car running outside of the scene with pictures of you and the wife of the person you just murdered inside the running car along with the murder weapon. Though the end of the movie ties everything back in and everyone who did wrong is held accountable, there are just too many plot holes for it to make sense. Another plot hole, who took the pictures of Mr Tavarnier and Mrs Carala in the woods together? And why would the photos be on a spy camera, clearly they both were posing for the photos. Doesn't make a lot of sense. See more Niall O @RT30234281 02/17/2025 With its dreamlike narrative and groundbreaking jazz score (improvised by Miles Davis), this film redefines noir through its haunting portrayal of crime and chance in the labyrinthine streets of Paris. See more Leaburn O @RT35452347 12/10/2024 Stylish French noir with a peculiar ending because it’s never quite explained how the pictures incriminate them. Clever, twisting plot which felt strangely plodding at times given the short runtime. Watched on DVD. See more Read all reviews

Elevator to the Gallows

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