Film Club & French Society Join Forces

Following last week’s screening of Le Samouraï, directed by Jean-Pierre Melville and starring Alain Delon as the enigmatic hitman, the French Society was privileged to host Mr. Waite and Film Club for a fascinating and inspiring talk on French cinema, with a special focus on Melville’s work. Renowned for creating some of the most unforgettable gangster noirs in post-war cinema, Melville was highlighted as a precursor to the French New Wave and the first truly independent French filmmaker. His influence has extended to iconic directors such as Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, and Chad Stahelski, particularly evident in the John Wick films.

Mr. Waite’s insightful analysis of the “Melvillian Hero” invited pupils to explore connections between existential cinema and literature, particularly through Melville’s nuanced approach to the moral dimensions of crime. This thought-provoking talk has undoubtedly sparked curiosity among students, inspiring further exploration that could potentially form the foundation of an Independent Research Project (IRP) for the Speaking section of their A Level exam.