'Bob le flambeur' works like a charm on viewers.
Extras:
From a quantitative standpoint, it doesn´t seem as if the "Bob le flambeur" DVD offers much to the viewer in terms of bonus materials. However, I strongly prefer Criterion´s habit of including substantive extras, even if only a handful, over other studios´ practice of throwing a lot of garbage at the consumer.
Instead of an audio commentary, the DVD includes a video interview with Daniel Cauchy, who plays "Paulo" in the movie. Looking much older (but still recognizable from the decades-old movie), Mr. Cauchy provides fascinating tidbits concerning the film´s production. For example, he relates the fact that the movie was shot over a period of two years because the filmmakers filmed scenes only when Melville had enough money to buy film stock. Therefore, Melville could gather his actors for only 3/4 day shoots before he had to scrounge around for money again. Knowing about the odd production schedule only heightened my admiration for the slickness of the final film.
You´ll also find a radio interview with director Jean-Pierre Melville conducted by an American radioman who happened to be visiting Europe. The interviewer talks a lot more than the interviewee, so the interview tapes ultimately do not yield as much fascinating information as the video interview with Cauchy. Still, I´m sure that film buffs will appreciate Criterion´s efforts for tracking down this piece of media oddity.
The included theatrical trailer is a testament to the hard work that went into cleaning up the film print (the trailer shows you what "Bob le flambeur" would look like had it not been restored).
As usual for the company, The Criterion Collection included color bars on the DVD to help you adjust your viewing monitor to proper viewing settings.
The DVD keep case also houses a 22-page booklet that provides a brief text introduction of the film, an excerpt of an interview with Jean-Pierre Melville printed in Rui Nogueira´s "Melville on Melville (Le cinéma selon Jean-Pierre Melville)," film production credits, DVD credits, and chapter listings.
Film Value:
Melville displays an obvious affection for moods and tones in "Bob le flambeur". What makes the movie so enjoyable is the fact that it doesn´t obsess over the details of the heist as an American film would. Instead, the filmmakers trust that audiences will figure out the basic mechanics of the action for themselves. Therefore, the script has time to create multi-faceted characters who smoke too much, drink too much, and try too hard to look cool while hurting big-time on the inside. Plus, no one on Earth wears a suit as well as a Frenchman.
Bring on "Pépé le moko", Criterion! :-)
From a quantitative standpoint, it doesn´t seem as if the "Bob le flambeur" DVD offers much to the viewer in terms of bonus materials. However, I strongly prefer Criterion´s habit of including substantive extras, even if only a handful, over other studios´ practice of throwing a lot of garbage at the consumer.
Instead of an audio commentary, the DVD includes a video interview with Daniel Cauchy, who plays "Paulo" in the movie. Looking much older (but still recognizable from the decades-old movie), Mr. Cauchy provides fascinating tidbits concerning the film´s production. For example, he relates the fact that the movie was shot over a period of two years because the filmmakers filmed scenes only when Melville had enough money to buy film stock. Therefore, Melville could gather his actors for only 3/4 day shoots before he had to scrounge around for money again. Knowing about the odd production schedule only heightened my admiration for the slickness of the final film.
You´ll also find a radio interview with director Jean-Pierre Melville conducted by an American radioman who happened to be visiting Europe. The interviewer talks a lot more than the interviewee, so the interview tapes ultimately do not yield as much fascinating information as the video interview with Cauchy. Still, I´m sure that film buffs will appreciate Criterion´s efforts for tracking down this piece of media oddity.
The included theatrical trailer is a testament to the hard work that went into cleaning up the film print (the trailer shows you what "Bob le flambeur" would look like had it not been restored).
As usual for the company, The Criterion Collection included color bars on the DVD to help you adjust your viewing monitor to proper viewing settings.
The DVD keep case also houses a 22-page booklet that provides a brief text introduction of the film, an excerpt of an interview with Jean-Pierre Melville printed in Rui Nogueira´s "Melville on Melville (Le cinéma selon Jean-Pierre Melville)," film production credits, DVD credits, and chapter listings.
Film Value:
Melville displays an obvious affection for moods and tones in "Bob le flambeur". What makes the movie so enjoyable is the fact that it doesn´t obsess over the details of the heist as an American film would. Instead, the filmmakers trust that audiences will figure out the basic mechanics of the action for themselves. Therefore, the script has time to create multi-faceted characters who smoke too much, drink too much, and try too hard to look cool while hurting big-time on the inside. Plus, no one on Earth wears a suit as well as a Frenchman.
Bring on "Pépé le moko", Criterion! :-)
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