Le Doulos (1962)

Just out of prison after serving a six year sentence, a man (Serge Reggiani) is already planning the heist of a wealthy private home. But things go wrong when the police show up and the ex-convict is wounded and his partner (Philippe Nahon) is killed. He vows to get his revenge on the only other person who knew the time and place of the robbery, a police informant (Jean Paul Belmondo). Based on the novel by Pierre Lesou and directed by Jean Pierre Melville (LE SAMOURAI). Once again Melville explores one of his favorite subjects, the criminal underworld. It's a complicated tale of revenge, deceit, friendship and betrayal that isn't quite what it seems as Melville keeps his ace hidden till its nihilistic conclusion. It may not have the underworld glamour of LE SAMOURAI but Melville's economic style and precise method along with Nicolas Hayer's rich B&W cinematography and Paul Misraki's excellent underscore keeps the film's narrative tight and its audience transfixed. With Michel Piccoli, Jean Desailly, Rene Lefevre, Fabienne Dali and Monique Hennessy.