Touchez pas au grisbi (1954, Jacques Becker) with Ginette Vincendeau - Criterion Collection Spine #271
Why This Film?
"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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