
Shoot the Piano Player
1960, Comedy/Drama, 1h 25m
29 Reviews 5,000+ RatingsYou might also like
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Where to watch
Shoot the Piano Player Photos
Movie Info
Charlie (Charles Aznavour) is a former classical pianist who has changed his name and now plays jazz in a grimy Paris bar. When Charlie's brothers, Richard (Jean-Jacques Aslanian) and Chico (Albert Remy), surface and ask for Charlie's help while on the run from gangsters they have scammed, he aids their escape. Soon Charlie and Lena (Marie Dubois), a waitress at the same bar, face trouble when the gangsters (Claude Mansard, Daniel Boulanger) arrive, looking for his brothers.
Cast & Crew
Charles Aznavour
Charlie Kohler, Edouard Saroyan
Charlie Kohler, Edouard Saroyan
Marie Dubois
Lena
Lena
Nicole Berger
Theresa
Theresa
Michèle Mercier
Clarisse
Clarisse
Albert Remy
Chico Saroyan
Chico Saroyan
Jean-Jacques Aslanian
Richard Saroyan
Richard Saroyan
Critic Reviews for Shoot the Piano Player
Audience Reviews for Shoot the Piano Player
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Nov 29, 2016Everyone talks about how much of an homage this is to Hollywood film noir, but to me it seems much more like a light version of a Hollywood gangster film. Sure, there are some scenes at night and the film is black and white, but the plot is straightforward, there's not a lot of gritty drama, and the 'bad guys' are not all that menacing. That doesn't make the film bad, just miscategorized. What I found most interesting was the running theme of the nature of the relationship between men and women, the 'new wave' cinematography Truffaut includes (including cool scenes shot out of a car window at night in the winter towards the end), and the humanism of the timid piano player, sucked up into clashes with criminals as well as a love affair, and whose past is gradually revealed. It's enjoyable but relative to the gangster story there are several moments which don't seem honest or real, and the shootout scene is cheesy. On the other hand, the relationship aspects are fascinating, the film is enjoyable from start to finish, and it's cool to watch a Truffaut film from 1960 - watch it for that.Antonius B Super Reviewer
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Feb 23, 2013Applying all the techniques from the French New Wave, Truffaut's 'Shoot the Piano Player' combines unique wit and thrills that coerce into a solidly original work.Kase V Super Reviewer
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Sep 10, 2011A second from François Truffaut, Shoot The Piano Player boldly shoots how the past haunts the present and shall continuously pester the future. Crime, drama, romance, and mystery right on target.Jan Marc M Super Reviewer
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May 31, 2011Truffaut's take on the gangster picture is astoundingly phenomenal.Alex H Super Reviewer
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