The Canon / Parallax Editorial Archive
Curated by Pedro Neves, Founder of Parallax
Shoot the Piano Player
Tirez sur le pianiste
Directed by François Truffaut
1960•1h 21m•NR•★ 7.4
Comedy / Crime / Drama / Thriller
Synopsis
A shy, down-and-out pianist in a dingy Parisian dive bar hides a past as a celebrated classical virtuoso whose career was ruined by his wife's suicide, finding himself dragged into mortal danger when his hoodlum brothers hide out from bumbling gangsters. François Truffaut's dazzling, playful, and tragic tribute to American pulp noir starring Charles Aznavour.
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Shoot the Piano Player
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Director Spotlight
Cinematic Profile
François Truffaut
Editorial Context
CanonContemplative
The Canon
The permanent living editorial archive curated by Pedro Neves, Founder of Parallax.
CuratedScholarly
Criterion Collection
A continuing series of important classic and contemporary films.
MovementNocturnal
Film Noir
Stories where morality is uncertain and every decision carries a cost.
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Cast & Crew
DirectorFrançois Truffaut
CinematographyRaoul Coutard
MusicGeorges Delerue
Principal Cast
Charles AznavourCharlie Kohler/Edouard Saroyan
Marie DuboisLéna
Nicole BergerThérèse Saroyan
Michèle MercierClarisse
Serge DavriPlyne
Claude MansardMomo
Richard KanayanFido Saroyan
Albert RémyChico Saroyan
Technical Specifications
Runtime1h 21m (81 mins)
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Collector Status
Not Yet Collected
Production Details
DirectorFrançois Truffaut
LanguagesFrench
CountryFR
StudioLes Films de la Pléiade
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