José Giovanni, born in Paris in 1923, is a notable figure in French cinema, recognized for his dual role as director and writer. His film The Pariah (1972) exemplifies his fascination with the underworld, drawing from his own tumultuous experiences and the gritty realities of life. Giovanni's narratives often reflect a complex interplay of masculine friendships and confrontations with societal norms, making his work resonate within the realms of cult cinema. His unique perspective, shaped by a life steeped in crime and survival, adds a distinct layer to the exploration of anti-heroes in his films.
The Pariah
Episodic portrait of a criminal, from 1934 until after the war. Roberto Borgo is tough, cool, sardonic, loyal, and deadly. He comes to Marseilles to help his friend Xavier Saratov get out of jail, first killing a local brothel and casino boss to take over the businesses, and, with the help of Xavier's sister, Georgia, amass money for Xavier's defense. Xavier loses in court, so Roberto gets himself thrown in prison to be with his friend. Escape proves futile, but they are pardoned in exchange for working as sappers. After the war, Xavier is a bitter cripple, but Roberto remains detached, extorting ownership of a casino, which puts his friends at risk. Does he care?
