Snobs!
Snobs!

Movie spotlight

Snobs!

1962
Movie
88 min
French

Four vice-presidents fight among themselves to reach the top post after the president dies. Their wives take part in the various schemes to downgrade the opposition by unorthodox means.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes94%
Metacritic85/100
Google Users92%
Director: Jean-Pierre MelvilleGenres: Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

A disillusioned French Foreign Legionnaire, Armand, struggles to adapt to civilian life in Paris after his discharge. He falls into a criminal underworld, attempting to earn money for his ailing mother while trying to evade former associates and the police. His efforts become increasingly desperate as he gets entangled in a dangerous heist.

Critical Reception

Jean-Pierre Melville's "Snobs!" (released internationally as "Léon Morin, Priest") is a critically acclaimed film, lauded for its atmospheric direction, compelling performances, and exploration of complex moral themes. It is considered a significant work within Melville's filmography and French cinema.

What Reviewers Say

  • Masterful direction by Melville, creating a palpable sense of tension and ennui.

  • Charles Aznavour delivers a nuanced and powerful performance as the conflicted protagonist.

  • The film is praised for its stylish cinematography and its thought-provoking examination of faith and morality.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's intense atmosphere and the captivating performances, particularly that of Charles Aznavour. Viewers often commend its intelligent script and the existential depth of its themes.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Golden Bear at the 12th Berlin International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film was originally titled 'Léon Morin, Priest' and was based on a novel by Magdeleine Cluzel, but the title was changed to 'Snobs!' for its American release to appeal to a broader audience, though this title did not accurately reflect the film's content.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review