I checked out French director Louis Malle’s 1958 noir film, Elevator to the Gallows, last night. I’m not sure how it ended up on my Netflix queue, that is, I don’t think anyone recommended it to me. Set to an improvised soundtrack by Miles Davis (setting the standard for sorrowful trumpet), the film explores retribution, as it follows two couples as they attempt to get away with murder.
Overall, the film succeeds at inventing cool. However, I had some problems accepting the shallowness of the young couple and their ability to murder without emotion. I would recommend it if you like old Hitchcock films and want to see a different perspective on suspense circa the late 1950s.
Anyone else seen it?