Subtext: Conversations about Classic Books and Films Sight and Solitude in Le Samouraï (1967) by Jean-Pierre Melville (Part 1)
Jul 29, 2024
Dive into the world of Jef Costello, a stylish hitman navigating life with a strict code of honor. Discover how isolation contrasts with the surprise power of genuine human connections, especially with a jazz musician who witnesses one of his crimes. The discussion unpacks the thematic elements of solitude, mercy, and moral ambiguity, examining pivotal character interactions and the tension between law and crime. They also delve into psychological nuances and the unsettling dynamics of power within the narrative, all while adding a dash of humor.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Solitude Creates Manufactured Alibis
- Melville frames Jeff Costello as a solitary samurai whose isolation forces him to manufacture airtight alibis.
- That tension between solitude and crafted social proof drives the film's central paradox about control and vulnerability.
The Bird As Companion And Alarm
- The bird functions as both companion and alarm, amplifying Jeff's loneliness while providing practical protection.
- Melville uses the bird's chirps as a metronome and emotional counterpoint throughout the film.
Sound As Narrative Timekeeper
- Sound design and musical texture shape narrative perception, especially in the jazz club where piano presence misdirects Jeff.
- Melville uses rhythm (shoes, bird, piano) to mark time and to trigger narrative shifts across three days.
