In the Mood for Melville Poster

In the Mood for Melville 2017

★ 3.01 votes58 min📅 2017-12-15

In the Mood for Melville (2017) dives into the enduring legacy of French New Wave auteur Jean-Pierre Melville, exploring how his stylish, morally complex films reshaped modern cinema.

Director: Benjamin Clavel

Cast

Tsui Hark
Tsui Hark
Self
Hitoshi Yazaki
Hitoshi Yazaki
Self
Oh Seung-uk
Oh Seung-uk
Self
Kim Jee-woon
Kim Jee-woon
Self
Gina Kim
Gina Kim
Self
Wong Kar-Wai
Wong Kar-Wai
Self
Antoine Coppola
Self
Johnnie To
Johnnie To
Self
Ringo Lam Ling-Tung
Ringo Lam Ling-Tung
Self

Frequently Asked Questions

What is In the Mood for Melville (2017) about?

This documentary examines the profound impact of French director Jean-Pierre Melville on global cinema through candid discussions with fellow filmmakers and critics. It highlights his distinctive visual style and narrative themes, which continue to inspire generations of artists behind and in front of the camera.

Who directed In the Mood for Melville?

Benjamin Clavel directed this insightful documentary, guiding viewers through a thoughtful exploration of Melville's cinematic influence.

Who stars in In the Mood for Melville?

The film features prominent voices including Tsui Hark, Wong Kar-Wai, Kim Jee-woon, Gina Kim, and Hitoshi Yazaki, offering diverse perspectives on Melville's work.

Is In the Mood for Melville (2017) worth watching?

Given its genre as a documentary about a revered auteur, this 58-minute film is a must-see for cinephiles. Even casual viewers with an interest in film history or crime dramas will appreciate its thematic depth and the passion of its contributors.

How long is In the Mood for Melville?

In the Mood for Melville runs for 58 minutes.

About In the Mood for Melville (2017) — Why Jean-Pierre Melville's cinema still hypnotizes filmmakers worldwide

In the Mood for Melville (2017) dives into the enduring legacy of French New Wave auteur Jean-Pierre Melville, exploring how his stylish, morally complex films reshaped modern cinema. Directed by Benjamin Clavel, this documentary brings together a stellar lineup of directors and critics—including Tsui Hark, Wong Kar-Wai, Kim Jee-woon, and Gina Kim—who share insights into Melville's signature themes: stoic heroes, shadowy aesthetics, and the blurred line between law and outlaw. Through candid conversations and archival footage, the film captures the director's hypnotic influence on everything from crime thrillers to arthouse dramas, creating an atmosphere of reverence and intellectual curiosity.

This 58-minute deep-dive isn't just a tribute—it's an immersive journey for cinephiles, dissecting Melville's techniques and their ripple effects across generations. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to his work, Clavel's documentary offers a fresh perspective on why Melville's cinema feels as vital today as when it first emerged.