Two Men in Manhattan is a 1959 French film directed by Jean-Pierre Melville. The movie revolves around two French journalists, Moreau and Delmas, who are dispatched by their newspaper to find a missing United Nations diplomat in New York City. During their investigation, they discover a criminal network and become embroiled in a dangerous and complex plot involving corruption and power struggles.
As they delve deeper into the case, their personal lives also become entangled. Moreau, a middle-aged man, is struggling with a failing marriage and an affair with a young woman, while Delmas is haunted by the memory of a former lover who died in a plane crash.
The film's black-and-white cinematography captures the gritty and atmospheric setting of New York City, from its neon-lit streets to its jazz clubs and seedy motels. The jazz-infused score, composed by Martial Solal, further enhances the movie's moody and melancholic tone.
Two Men in Manhattan is a noir-inspired thriller that explores themes of truth, morality, and human frailty. It is a masterful work of cinema that showcases Melville's distinctive filmmaking style and his ability to create characters and stories that are complex, nuanced, and unforgettable.