European Day of Artistic Cinema. A classic in cinema: “The Elevator to the Scaffold”, directed by Louis Malle (1958, 93′)

The 1958 “Ascenseur pour l'échafaud” (“Ascenseur pour l'échafaud”) is not only Louis Malle's feature debut, but a milestone that paved the way for the French New Wave. The legendary work of the rebellious creator from the Seine is a stylish crime noir, in which the melancholy atmosphere of the Parisian streets is perhaps even more important than the plot intrigue. In the center of the story is the crime committed by Julian Tavernier on the husband of his mistress. Maybe this murder would be perfect if not for the “minor” detail that causes Julian to have to return to the crime scene.

“Elevator to the Scaffold” is above all an atmospheric cinema achieved through the pioneering use of small cameras, free construction, beautiful photographs and unforgettable, created during the day, legendary music of the genius of jazz — Miles Davies. It is also the first film in which the future icon of French cinema - Jeanne Moreau - could reveal her talent.