Ruthless, cold-hearted individuals killing randomly then going on the run does not, of itself, make for authentic Film Noir, in my opinion. Dark, yes, violent, certainly, but where is the characterisation, the inbuilt conscience that would give the excessive violence some sort of moral standpoint? Unfortunately, this approach is all too typical of French Noir. Perhaps the movie needed a Jean Gabin to inject some reality into the action. Lino Ventura, for all his screen presence, is no substitute.
Ultimately, despite everyone trying very hard, this movie is no more than routine.
Ultimately, despite everyone trying very hard, this movie is no more than routine.