MudFlapp

2Mar10

Gentleman Jules, survivor of the blacklisting, lover, patriot, citizen of the world and director of fine cinema. One of the most under appreciated directors. His stretch from 1947-1957 is a template for brilliant cinema. Jules Dassin, An artist with a wide canvas and big brush. 1947 Brute Force 1948 The Naked City 1949 Thieves Highway 1950 Night and the City 1955 Rififi 1957 He who must die. (Never in print on DVD) Criterion, I am looking at you. He had many commercial and critical successes. He paved the way for directors today. For beginners, I recommend starting with Night and the City (1950) or Rififi (1955) Du Rififi Du Chez Hommes is as important in the discussion of Cinema as Orson Well’s Citizen Kane. Wells fought for his film. He picked his fight Dassin fought for his life and his fight picked him. HUAC-McCarthy Rififi is Dassin's commentary on his and other artist’s blacklisting disguised as great Heist flick! Banned in Mexico due to copycat crimes, some were successful