1/3 First watch: RIFIFI (French, 1955), arguably the best heist film ever made. Sure, the jewelry theft crime scene sans dialogue and music was groundbreaking and perfect. Yet I found the post-caper unraveling of the four criminals’ lives most riveting of all. #FilmSky #MovieSky #noir
2/3 On location filming in Paris, often on rain-slicked streets, was a compelling, integral part of the story. The acting is flawless, as is the directing by Jules Dassin, blacklisted in the US. It’s a film where the viewer empathizes with and pulls for the jewelry thieves. #FilmSky #noir
3/3 The final sequence is absolutely astounding. RIFIFI is one of the best #NoirAlley features I’ve seen. It’s up there with Jean-Pierre Melville’s LE DEUXIÈME SOUFFLE among my favorite heist films. Thanks to #noir czar @eddiemuller.bsky.social for featuring it on TCM. #FilmTwitter #noir
Absolutely stunning film. There’s an Italian version, I Soliti Ignoti, made not long after. Roughly the same plot but they’re complete idiots. It’s very funny.
Rififi also has many similarities to The Asphalt Jungle, another good film. Haven’t seen the Italian version you mentioned.
Tremendous cast. Very silly. Asphalt Jungle I thought was the original dedicated teacher turns around a tough school class movie?
No, it’s essentially the same story as Rififi.
You may be thinking of Blackboard Jungle.
I am indeed thinking of Blackboard Jungle.
One of my all-time faves!
So glad I finally saw it! I do remember seeing it on one of your recent lists, maybe an all-time top 10 or something like that.
That’ll be the one. (It’s in my all-time top ten.) I’m so glad you enjoyed it. As you say, the unravelling post-heist is wonderful!