Shoot the Piano Player

I was fully expecting to see a French Noir, I got a Nouvelle Vague film with minor crime elements instead. I'm not complaining, mind, my affinity with the French New Wave is much bigger than with its noir scene, though I don't think Truffaut is the best the Nouvelle Vague has to offer.

Charlie Kohler once was a famous pianist, after his wife committed suicide Charlie couldn't continue his public life and his fame quickly faded. Things get worse when he gets a visit from his little brother. He has two criminals on his tail, Charlie gets involved in their business when he inadvertently lies to them.

While there are some clear crime elements present, the direction is a lot lighter and less constrained than you'd get from an actual noir. Aznavour isn't great though and Truffaut isn't quite as frivolous as some of his contemporaries. The film has its moments, but not enough to put it up there with the best Nouvelle Vague films.