Le deuxième souffle
Le deuxième souffle • 2h 30m
Directed by Jean-Pierre Melville • 1966 • France
With his customary restraint and ruthless attention to detail, director Jean-Pierre Melville follows the parallel tracks of French underworld criminal Gu (the inimitable Lino Ventura), escaped from prison and roped into one last robbery, and the suave inspector, Blot, relentlessly seeking him. The implosive LE DEUXIEME SOUFFLE captures the pathos, loneliness, and excitement of a life in the shadows with methodical suspense and harrowing authenticity.
Up Next in Le deuxième souffle
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LE DEUXIÈME SOUFFLE Commentary
Recorded in 2008, this commentary features film scholar Ginette Vincendeau, author “Jean-Pierre Melville: An American in Paris,” and film critic Geoff Andrew, head of programming at London’s BFI Southbank cinema.
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Bertrand Tavernier on LE DEUXIÈME SOU...
Acclaimed director Bertrand Tavernier (COUP DE TORCHON, ROUND MIDNIGHT) began his film career as a critic and publicist. It was in the latter role that he was involved with filmmaker Jean-Pierre Melville’s LE DEUXIÈME SOUFFLE. In this 2008 interview, Tavernier talks about his memories of the film...
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LE DEUXIÈME SOUFFLE Archival Interviews
The following are excerpted from French television programs. “Provence actualités” (February 26, 1966) features a short newsreel taken on the set of LE DEUXIÈME SOUFFLE. “Cinéma” (July 30, 1966) features interviews by François Chalais with director Jean-Pierre Melville and actor Lino Ventura.
