Ascenseur pour l’echafaud (Elevator to the Gallows)

1958, France, Louis Malle, 91 min.

Introduced by documentary filmmaker Alison Klayman

In this classic French crime film, director Louis Malle shot Jeanne Moreau—who was an established French star at the time of filming—without makeup or artificial lighting. When the crew first saw how unflattering the shots were to the star, at first, they refused to develop the film. Their minds were quickly changed by the power of Moreau’s performance in this movie about crimes of passion and the repercussions they provoke.

About the Speaker

Alison Klayman is an acclaimed documentary filmmaker. Her debut feature documentary, Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry, was shortlisted for an Academy Award, nominated for two Emmys, and earned Klayman a Director’s Guild of America nomination. After premiering at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, where it won a special jury prize, the film was picked up by IFC Films and went on to become one of the year’s highest grossing films by a female director. Never Sorry has since been translated into more than twenty-six languages and released theatrically around the world.

About Cabaret Cinema: Rain

Inspired by Nepalese Seasons: Rain and Ritual, this summer Cabaret Cinema showcases classic rain-drenched films that allude to the power of the downpour. Learn more