Claude Sautet - Max Et Les Ferrailleurs (1971) -

The chemistry between —Sautet’s frequent collaborators—is at its most strained and fascinating here, making the film's shocking, nihilistic ending one of the most memorable in French cinema.

While often overshadowed by the films of Jean-Pierre Melville, Max et les ferrailleurs is arguably more psychologically complex. It isn't just about a heist; it’s a character study of a man who destroys everything he touches because he cannot endure the "untidiness" of human nature. Claude Sautet - Max et les ferrailleurs (1971)

The film follows Max (Michel Piccoli), a wealthy, detached detective born into a family of judges. Frustrated by criminals who escape justice through technicalities, he decides to "create" a crime he can actually punish. The film follows Max (Michel Piccoli), a wealthy,

He targets a group of petty, disorganized scrap-metal thieves (the ferrailleurs ) led by an old acquaintance, Abel (Bernard Fregier). Max goes undercover, encouraging them to rob a bank while simultaneously manipulating Abel's girlfriend, Lily (Romy Schneider), into falling for him to ensure the trap is perfectly set. Key Themes & Style Max goes undercover, encouraging them to rob a