Le Samouraï is a 1967 crime thriller film directed by Jean-Pierre Melville. The film follows the story of Jef Costello, a hitman who operates alone and lives a solitary life. Jef's professionalism and precision earn him the nickname "the samurai" among his associates.
The film begins with Jef carrying out a hit on a nightclub owner. However, a witness sees him leaving the scene of the crime, and Jef becomes the prime suspect in the police investigation. Jef's employers also become suspicious of him and order him to be eliminated.
Throughout the film, Jef tries to stay one step ahead of the police and his employers, relying on his skills and instincts to survive. He also develops a complicated relationship with a beautiful pianist named Valérie, who may be the one person he can trust.
Le Samouraï is known for its striking visual style, with Melville using long takes, minimalist sets, and a muted color palette to create a sense of tension and detachment. The film also explores themes of identity, loyalty, and morality, with Jef struggling to reconcile his professional life with his personal values.
Alain Delon's performance as Jef Costello is considered one of his finest, with his understated and enigmatic portrayal adding to the film's mystique. Le Samouraï has been highly influential in the crime film genre, with its stylish and cool aesthetic inspiring many filmmakers in the years since its release.