Film Review: Elevator to the Gallows (FRA 1958) by Louis Malle, Starring Jeanne Moreau

Content:  In this podcast, we present the 1958 French thriller “Elevator to the Gallows”, directed by Louis Malle, starring Jeanne Moreau, highlighting its significance as a precursor to the Nouvelle Vague cinematic movement.  We outline the film's plot involving a murderous couple and the ensuing complications, emphasizing its innovative techniques like street shooting, handheld cameras, and natural lighting, which broke from traditional filmmaking.  We discuss the impact of the Nouvelle Vague and the contributions of other key figures like Truffaut, Rohmer and Godard.  We also praise Miles Davis's improvisational jazz soundtrack and the film's enduring appeal, noting its departure from conventional narrative structures and its focus on atmosphere and character intimacy.  Plot:  The wistful Florence and the rugged ex-paratrooper Julien are secret lovers. They’ve hatched a daring plan. In their longing for freedom, they’ve decided to murder Florence’s husband.  But despite the devilish partners planning everything down to the smallest detail, left-behind evidence serves as a bitter reminder that there’s no such thing as a perfect crime.