Le gitan

I could tell when I was watching this film that THE GYPSY would probably not appeal to many people for two main reasons. First, the film is a rather amoral affair--taking a very neutral view of crime and the police. If you are looking for a pro-police sort of film, this certainly isn't it. Second, the ending will simply infuriate those who need a sense of closure. Neither of these things particularly bothered me, but I am sure many will find these serious shortcomings to overlook.

The film centers around two career criminals whose stories never intersect until near the end. Le Gitan ("The Gypsy") is played by Alain Delon and he is a man who feels that because society has no respect or place for Gypsies (which he is one), then he has no obligations towards society. He is not a rampant murderer, but more of a man who feels no guilt about stealing and robbing from what he sees as a corrupt system. Paul Meurisse plays Yan Kuq. He's more of a professional criminal--one who could care less about society one way or another--he simply is out to take what he wants and live the life of a gentleman criminal.

As far as the film goes, it never goes in great depth about the criminals or police. Instead, it shows them "doing their thing" with no commentary or apparent position on who is right or wrong. This amoral approach, though unusual, actually works well because it adds to the film's realism. This is a world where crime MIGHT pay and the evil-doers MIGHT live happily ever after! In many ways, it is a bit like Film Noir updated to the 1970s and without the same conventions and clichés. It is unflinching and unromantic from start to finish, but never dull.