Shoot the Piano Player
Shoot the Piano Player

Movie spotlight

Shoot the Piano Player

1960
Movie
85 min
French

Charlie is a former classical pianist who has changed his name and now plays jazz in a grimy Paris bar. When Charlie's brothers, Richard and Chico, surface and ask for Charlie's help while on the run from gangsters they have scammed, he aids their escape. Soon Charlie and Lena, a waitress at the same bar, face trouble when the gangsters arrive, looking for his brothers.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Google Users88%
Director: François TruffautGenres: Crime, Drama, Film-Noir, Romance

Plot Summary

A shy, melancholic pianist, known for his exceptional talent, secretly plays in a dingy bar to escape his past. His quiet life is disrupted when he becomes entangled with gangsters and two women who complicate his already troubled existence. He must confront his past and make difficult choices that could lead to his salvation or destruction.

Critical Reception

Shoot the Piano Player was met with critical acclaim for its innovative narrative structure, blending dark humor with poignant drama and film-noir elements. It is considered a significant work of the French New Wave, lauded for its directorial style and Charlie Aznavour's compelling performance.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its inventive and unconventional storytelling.

  • Admired for its unique blend of comedy, tragedy, and crime elements.

  • Recognized for François Truffaut's distinct directorial vision and style.

Google audience: Audiences generally praise the film's stylish direction, emotional depth, and Charles Aznavour's captivating performance. Many appreciate its dark humor and unconventional narrative, finding it a memorable and engaging cinematic experience.

Fun Fact

François Truffaut initially wanted to cast American actor Walter Chiari as the lead, but ultimately cast Charles Aznavour, who was also a celebrated singer, to help finance the film through his musical performances.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
Steve

Steve

noiroftheweek.com : This isn't the golden age of film noir right now. Nearly every crime film released has critics noting their "noir look" or style. The latest crime films have more to do with comic books and video games than old classi...