Bob le Flambeur

In terms of mere viewer engagement, Bob le Flambeur succeeds. Its plot is thorough and meticulously conceived and constructed, and is thus an interesting and enjoyable film. However, and this may be my opinion alone, the film seems to lack in substance thematically (the ideas of fate and luck prove to be rather underdeveloped in the film). Most every element in the film that may be considered in thematic analysis seems to exist more to serve the plot and the progression of the story than to make any kind of an artistic or thematic statement. For example, Yvonne’s character is, in reality, minimal and unsubstantial thematically – her main purpose serves in revealing the plan to Marc, which inevitably leads to the police disruption of the planned casino heist.

However, Bob’s sort of paternal care of Yvonne, a naïve and essentially homeless young woman, does point to one thing of thematic interest – Bob’s morality. Bob’s moral awareness, obviously yet still interestingly, works in contrast to his persona as a gambler and a criminal, and adds certain color and nuance to his character, while still serving the plot – his disapproval of the poor treatment of women, prostitute or otherwise, sets the stage for his ultimate downfall.

Shot largely at night, with an evident tone resembling film noir, the film proved to be aesthetically pleasing and on level with the subject matter and genre - ganster. The use of contrasting shadow and light, gangsters and gamblers roaming about in the darkness and corners of the city, rain, and a jumpy (fast to slow, slow to fast)and jazzy soundtrack all work well in creating a satisfying aesthetic experience for the viewer.