Jean Gabin makes his triumphal return to the screen as the quintessential tough guy, but now an aged man (still with great hair) he projects a different kidn of confidence. He is a jaded criminal, uninterested in the luxuries of life. He exudes power and control over his surroundings and commands respect. Riton, his partner in crime and in life, serves as a foil to Gabin's Max. Their relationship resembles that of an old married couple, highlighted in a scene in which the pair are hiding out in Max's spare apartment. The gangster Max is well prepared with an extra toothbrush, pajamas, linens and even a fridge stocked with champagne for a midnight snack of pate. These French gangsters are quite distinct from the American gangsters that we are used to. This film really popularized the gangster genre. The movie's depiction of women is not entirely unusual, but it is very aesthetically displeasing. The few women in this film are mere objects for hte men. It is so blatant that it is distracting and detracts from the film. Max slaps two women across the face, recalling his assertive slapping hand from Port of Shadows.
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