Cast
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François Périer
as Paul, le directeur de la prison
Peter van Eyck
as Cyril Gad
Anouk Aimée
as Isabelle
Darío Moreno
as Luigi Falconi
André Versini
as Antoine 'Tony' Lefébure
Jean-Pierre Marielle
as Lucien, le détenu bavard
Jean-Claude Brialy
as Un inspecteur de police
Eleonora Rossi Drago
as Odette, la femme du directeur
Pierre Mondy
as Émile Chanu
Michèle Drey
as
Gérard Dorsen
as
Mario David
as Paulo, un détenu
Albert Michel
as Le gardien-brigadier Bricart
Olivier Darrieux
as Un gardien
Henri Riou
as
Crew
Director
- Henri Decoin
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Anyone Can Kill Me examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Henri Decoin brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1957, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Anyone Can Kill Me took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 129 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 126 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1957, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Anyone Can Kill Me shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike 7 Seconds, which focuses more on action than character development, Anyone Can Kill Me subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like To Live and Die in L.A. and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford explore similar territory, Anyone Can Kill Me stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 6, 1957
- Runtime: 1h 42m
Where to Watch
