TEHRAN- “Le Cercle Rouge” ("The Red Circle"), a 1970 crime film by French director Jean-Pierre Melville, was reviewed at the Arasbaran Cultural Center in Tehran on Thursday in in memory of the recently deceased actor Alain Delon.  

Film critics Kurosh Jahed and Amir Qaderi attended a screening of the film followed by a review session.

"The Red Circle" follows the intertwined fates of two escaped convicts, Corey and Vogel, and their desperate heist. The film opens in Marseille, where Corey, having served time for an earlier offense, is granted an early release for good behavior. In a twist of fate, a prison warden discreetly informs him of a lucrative jewelry store in Paris, igniting Corey’s ambition for one last big score.

Upon his release, Corey confronts Rico, a former associate who has betrayed him, and forcibly retrieves a stash of cash and a handgun from Rico’s safe. He then engages in a violent encounter with two of Rico’s men at a billiard hall, ultimately emerging victorious and armed. Buying a large American car, Corey heads towards Paris, fully planning the robbery.

Meanwhile, another convict, Vogel, escapes during transportation to a police interrogation, evading the relentless pursuit led by the determined Commissioner Mattei. In a stroke of luck, Vogel winds up hiding in Corey’s car after both men cross paths at a roadside grill amid heavy police activity. Corey offers Vogel sanctuary, and together, they form an uneasy alliance.

As Corey and Vogel plan the jewelry heist, they realize they need a skilled marksman and a reliable fence to carry out their scheme effectively. They recruit Jansen, an alcoholic ex-policeman with sharpshooting skills, and plot the robbery. In the background, Mattei is doggedly working to capture Vogel and unravel the murder of Rico’s men, employing intimidation tactics on nightclub owner Santi to gain intel.

The robbery unfolds successfully, but complications arise when the fence is unwilling to accept the stolen jewels due to Rico’s threats. Undeterred, Corey considers approaching Santi for a new connection. However, Mattei, leveraging his influence, orchestrates a trap by posing as the fence to lure Corey into a secluded rendezvous.

Tensions escalate when Vogel, suspicious about the arrangement, shows up to warn Corey just as the police close in. In a chaotic confrontation, Mattei and his men ambush the trio, leading to a tragic outcome. One by one, Corey, Vogel, and Jansen meet their demise at the hands of law enforcement, with Mattei recovering the stolen jewels, signifying the harsh price of their desperate choices. 

Alain Delon, the star of the movie, is renowned as one of the most iconic actors of French cinema, celebrated for his striking looks and intense performances. He rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s, becoming a leading figure in European cinema. Delon's career skyrocketed with films such as "Le Samourai," "The Leopard," and "Purple Noon," where he showcased his ability to portray complex characters with a brooding charisma. His performances often reflected a blend of charm and vulnerability, earning him critical acclaim.

Photo: Alain Delon acts in a scene from "The Red Circle" by French director Jean-Pierre Melville

SAB/