Why This Film?
🎬 Exploring the Criterion Collection, one spine at a time.
A conversation-driven podcast that takes a deep dive into the artistry, cultural influence, and historical significance of films in the Criterion Collection. Each episode focuses on one film, unpacking its craft and legacy through engaging conversations with experts, historians, filmmakers, and passionate cinephiles.
Why This Film?
2 TOUCHEZ PAS AU GRISBI (1954) Spine #271 w/Ginette Vincendeau
"If retirement means you're in a lovely flat in Paris and your fridge is full of foie gras and champagne - I'm okay with that."
In episode 2 of Why This Film?, Ron discusses Jacques Becker's Touchez pas au grisbi (1954) with Ginette Vincendeau, one of the most influential scholars of French cinema working today.
Together, they explore how Grisbi reshapes the gangster genre through efficient storytelling and the routine life away from violent action. They move through the film's pacing, its focus on aging and friendship, and the authority of Jean Gabin's performance.
Ginette brings her expertise to questions of women's roles in French cinema and society, masculinity, and filmmaking of this period.
And as always, Ginette answers the central question: Why is this film included in the Criterion Collection and why does it still matter today?
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