Elevator To The Gallows (DVD)

Connect to Facebook/Twitter, recommend via email and much more.

---

Malle directs "Elevator to the Gallows" with such considerable brio the film almost triumphs in spite of its flaws. Almost, but not quite.

Video

The film is presented in its original 16:9 aspect ratio. The black and white photography is razor sharp, excellent even by Criterion standards.

Audio

The DVD is presented in Dolby Digital Mono. Davis´ score is mixed to prefect effect. Optional English subtitles support the French audio.

Extras

This two-disc set from Criterion is loaded with extras, but the discs are stacked on top of each other meaning you have to pull out the first disc in order to get at the second one. Personally, I find this very annoying.

Several interviews are included: A 2005 interview with Jeanne Moreau (18 min.); a 1993 interview with Malle and Moreau at Cannes (11 min.); a brief May 1957 interview (really more of a puff-piece) with actor Maurice Ronet (5 min.); and a 1975 episode of the Canadian television show "Parlons Cinéma" featuring Malle.

Most of the extras, however, are devoted to the famous Miles Davis score which was recorded on Dec 4, 1957 in a Parisian studio. Most exciting is "The Recording Session" (6 min.) which has actual footage of Davis performing the score. Davis only agreed to record the score at the last minute, and improvised it while watching Malle´s early cut of the movie. A 2005 interview with session pianist René Urtreger (15 min.) sheds more light on the recording, but Davis fans will be most interested by "Miles Goes Modal" (25 min.) which situates the performance within the context of Davis´ career rather than just in terms of the film.

Last, but definitely not least, is "Crazeologie" (1953, 6 min.), a short film made by Malle which feels very much like what it is: pretentious film school diddling, but of the very highest order. Malle´s "theater of the absurd" short is quite amusing; think of it as "Un chien andalou 2: electric boogaloo."

The insert booklet includes an essay by critic Terrence Rafferty, an interview excerpted from Phillips French´s "Malle on Malle," and an appreciation by brother Vincent Malle.

Closing Thoughts

Your mileage may vary. Critic Terrence Rafferty describes "Elevator to the Gallows" as "insolently proficient," and the film has many other admirers. The individual elements here may be enough by themselves to satisfy you: Moreau´s icy-hot detachment, Julien´s harrowing confinement and escape, Davis´ unforgettable score. For me, the film provides a snapshot of the career of a great director who was on the verge of putting it all together, but wasn´t there just yet.

---

Connect to Facebook/Twitter, recommend via email and much more.

---