Elevator to the Gallows (Ascenseur pour l'échafaud) Review

Like a coiled hose quickly unraveling once enough water pressure has been supplied, ELEVATOR TO THE GALLOWS paints itself into a corner before exploding into an gloriously unholy mess. Close examination reveals a cleverly-designed collection of details meant to excite the mind and senses.

A collision of film noir and the burgeoning French New Wave, ELEVATOR's brilliance begins with its elegantly simple set-up: Julien Tavernier (Maurice Ronet) will murder his wealthy industrialist boss Simon Carala (Jean Wall) and make it look like suicide. That will allow him to be with the love of his life, Florence Carala (Jeanne Moreau), his boss' wife. But Julien overlooks one small detail and is promptly trapped in an elevator with the power turned off.