272. Les Diaboliques

Les Diaboliques
1954
Directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot

Clouzot is one of the best discoveries I have had on the list by far.  He is the master of tension; apparently Alfred Hitchcock made Psycho in order to get his title back as the King of Suspense, which he felt like Clouzot took from him.

Anyway, from the man who brought us Wages of Fear, we get this next gem.  This is the story of two women who are horribly treated by Michel, who is both emotionally and physically ambusive.  In true horror film fashion, they decide to kill him and dump his body in the pool.  There is a special disclaimer at the end of the movie that asks you not to spoil the film for anyone.  I am not quite sure how far into the plot I can go without spoiling it so I will just stop there.

Like I said, this Clouzot is an expert at building up suspense; last time he did it with explosive trucks, this time it is with the character of Michel scaring the bejesus out of us.  I guarantee edge of the seat viewing.

RATING: *****

Interesting Facts:

Alfred Hitchcock also attempted to buy the rights to this story; it is said that Clouzot beat him by only a few hours.

259. Le Salaire de la Peur

Le Salaire de la Peur
Wages of Fear
1953
Directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot

This film has definitely made it into my top 10 greatest films of all time list just by one viewing.  I was absolutely blown away (no pun intended).  I can't remember the last time I was so thoroughly engaged in a film.  I had never even heard of it before so once again, applause for The Book.

This movie is about two teams of men who are hired to drive two trucks full of nitroglycerin to an oil explosion (and if you have ever seen Lost, you know that one bump could blow you into bits).  It is about a 300 mile drive through very rocky, poorly made roads.  The truckers agree to this for two thousand dollars each and a chance to get out of a poor town.

First off, let's talk about the premise.  This movie makes Speed look like a relaxing yoga video.  I expected to fall asleep while watching this film last night and finish it this morning, but it is quite impossible to close your eyes while watching this movie.  Like I said before, one of the most engaging and entertaining films of all time.

That part is fun, but for me, the best part of the film was looking at the characters.   I just wrote an in-depth character analysis the deleted it.  I am keeping with my strict no spoiler policy.  However, I can safely say that watching four men in such an extraordinary situation is truly a pleasure.  I am still looking for the "Are you Jo, Luigi, Mario, or Bimba" personality quiz online.  No luck yet.

Anyway, probably the best thriller I have ever seen.  A truly unexpected gem.

RATING: *****

Interesting Facts:

US censors made the filmmakers cut several "unAmerican" scenes.

Jean Gabin refused the role of Jo.  Damn, that is the only thing that could have made this better!