5 films to rewatch to remember Alain Delon
Passed away this Sunday, August 18, the legendary French actor worked for some of the biggest names in the seventh art. L'OFFICIEL recommends 5 masterpieces from his filmography.
Alain Delon is one of the iconic figures of French cinema, famous for his charisma and intense acting. L'OFFICIEL has selected 5 of his films, classics of cinema, which perfectly illustrate the extent of the actor's talent and his lasting impact on European and world cinema.
Full Sun (1960)
Director: René Clément
Synopsis: In this psychological thriller, Delon plays Tom Ripley, a young American man hired to bring back to Europe the son of a wealthy industrialist. Fascinated by the latter's luxurious life, Ripley develops a Machiavellian plan to seize his identity. This film helped launch Delon's international career.
Rocco and His Brothers (1960)
Director: Luchino Visconti
Synopsis: In this Italian drama, Delon plays Rocco, a young man from southern Italy who emigrates with his family to Milan in the hope of a better life. The film depicts the family struggles and tensions that arise as they try to adjust to their new life in the city. Rocco's character, both tender and tragic, is one of Delon's most memorable roles.
The Samurai (1967)
Director: Jean-Pierre Melville
Synopsis: Delon plays Jef Costello, a solitary and methodical hitman. After a contract, he witnesses a crime that puts him in danger. As he tries to cover his tracks, he is hunted by both the police and those who hired him. The film is a masterpiece of the noir genre, with a cold and minimalist atmosphere.
The Swimming Pool (1969)
Director: Jacques Deray
Synopsis: Jean-Paul (Alain Delon) and Marianne (Romy Schneider) are a glamorous couple spending a sunny holiday in a sumptuous villa with a swimming pool in Saint-Tropez. Their tranquility is disturbed by the arrival of Harry (Maurice Ronet), a friend of Jean-Paul, accompanied by his young daughter, Pénélope ( Jane Birkin ). Harry, Marianne's former lover, begins to arouse Jean-Paul's jealousy by openly flirting with her. Tensions rise between the four characters, and the situation degenerates when Jean-Paul, under the influence of jealousy, commits an irreparable act.
Borsalino (1970)
Director: Jacques Deray
Synopsis: The story takes place in Marseille in the 1930s. Roch Siffredi (Alain Delon) and François Capella (Jean-Paul Belmondo) are two charismatic small-time crooks who become friends after courting the same woman. Together, they decide to team up to climb the ladder of Marseille's criminal underworld. They start by taking over small local trafficking operations before tackling the city's big businesses, such as racketeering, prostitution, and gambling. Their meteoric rise brings them into conflict with other influential criminals and the authorities. But their boundless ambition and their friendship are put to the test as the stakes become increasingly dangerous.
