French Film Noir Classic “Classe Tous Risques” Gets New Life at Film Forum
The French crime movie genre, often overshadowed by its American counterparts, is getting a moment in the spotlight with the re-release of Claude Sautet’s 1960 film “Classe Tous Risques,” also known as “The Big Risk.” Despite being dubbed, dumped, and unreviewed upon its initial U.S. release in 1963, this existential adventure is finally getting its due with a new 4K restoration screening at Film Forum.
The film follows veteran mobster Abel Davos, played by the formidable Lino Ventura, as he navigates life on the lam in Italy. Davos, a tough guy with a soft spot for his family, embarks on a daring journey back to France with his wife and two young sons in tow. Along the way, he stages a bold heist in Milan, leading to a thrilling chase involving stolen cars, a hijacked speedboat, and a beachfront shootout.
Based on a novel by José Giovanni, a former French-Corsican convict, “Classe Tous Risques” boasts a star-studded cast including Jean-Paul Belmondo as Eric Stark, a freelance criminal who becomes Davos’s unlikely ally. The film’s blend of action and emotion, reminiscent of Jean-Luc Godard’s “Breathless,” captivates audiences with its gripping storyline and charismatic performances.
With its recent restoration and re-release, “Classe Tous Risques” is once again captivating audiences with its blend of gritty realism and cinematic flair. Don’t miss the chance to experience this classic French film noir at Film Forum in Manhattan.
