Le Samouraï - (Melville;1967;France/Italy) - ****
A calculating hitman with no criminal history kills his next contract, but leaves a few witnesses. He now has both the police and the men who hired him on his trail.
Gritty, gripping, intelligent, professional, and interesting. One of the best crime/thrillers ever. It's easy to see how Tarantino and Mann were inspired by Melville. Excellent in virtually all of it's aspects. Acting and music drive the suspense, which takes talent.
#3