Borsalino

Borsalino, a classic French gangster movie from 1970, is a stylistically distinct production helmed by prolific director Jacques Deray. The film is potent with innuendo, gritty realism, and black humor, creating an unforgettable fusion of classic gangster tropes and European cinematic style.

The film's narrative backdrop is the 1930s Marseilles in France, an era steeped in the throes of the underworld, a period teeming with powerful gangland figures, crooked cops, relentless pursuit of power and wealth, and the volatile backdrop of the precarious socio-economic fabric.

The marquee names of French cinema, Jean-Paul Belmondo, and Alain Delon, spearhead the ensemble cast of the film. Belmondo plays the character of François Capella, an outgoing, lovably rough, and street-smart Marseilles-native, while Delon portrays the role of Roch Siffredi, a charismatic and insouciant Sicilian immigrant, endowed with a sharp mind and an even sharper tongue.

Borsalino's storyline revolves around the intertwined destinies and tumultuous friendship of Capella and Siffredi, who meet under odd circumstances and soon form an unlikely alliance. What starts as a foxhole camaraderie in the face of the perils of the underworld, soon evolves into a brotherly bond fortified by shared aspirations, dreams, and mutual respect.

Borsalino marvelously portrays their parallel ascensions in the world of crime, as they weave their way through ill-famed brothels, anarchic bar brawls, grisly murders, opulent lifestyles, and seedy underworld dealings. As François and Roch get more invested and involved in the murky system, their mutual dreams of dominance over Marseilles underbelly seem to become within reach—an aim they pursue with an unyielding will and dangerous tenacity.

No discussion about Borsalino can be complete without an adequate mention of its female characters, primarily Catherine Rouvel who plays the role of Lola, a coquettish dancer. She is central to the narrative due to the emotional rollercoaster she sets in motion between the two protagonists; transforming things from better to worse, charting a new course for the duo's journey.

The film deploys the zeitgeist of the thrilling interwar era, capturing the decadence and voluptuousness of high living and the contrasting harsh realities and scars of underworld life. Deray's feel for the era is palpable; he breathes life into the weighty atmosphere of the Marseilles underworld, setting the stage for the characters' enthralling exploits.

The intricate art-direction is another standout feature of Borsalino. With ritzy nightclubs, sprawling mansions, dim-lit alleyways, and classic cars, the film paints a lavish picture of the era. The return of vintage French fashion, especially the fedora Borsalino hat from which the movie derives its title, adds another layer of visual splendor to the film.

The movie also showcases a captivating music score conjured up by the genius of Claude Bolling. From period-specific jazz to mournful harmonica tunes, Borsalino's soundtrack is an integral part of its appeal, accurately rendering the moods and phases of the complex narrative.

Borsalino is known primarily for its world-class performances. The rapport between Belmondo and Delon is electrifying, their shared screen time creating some of the most memorable moments of the film. Anchoring the film with their intense performances, the two superstars make their characters believable, eliciting empathy, and providing a backbone to the movie.

To summarize, Borsalino, steeped in nostalgia and era-appropriate aesthetics, is a riveting portrayal of friendship and ambition, packaged as a classic gangster film. It is a cinematic exploratory, encasing a deeply human story within its crime-saturated narrative. The movie's brilliance emanates from its layered character study, punctuated with bursts of violence, suspense, and subtle humor, making it a memorable addition to the pantheon of gangster films. Rich with visual opulence, characterized by exemplary performances, and anchored by a powerful story, Borsalino stands as a cinematic masterpiece that genuinely captures the spirit of its time.