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Crime movies often focus on individuals who engage in illegal activities while maintaining an outward appearance of innocence. The only factor preventing these criminals from getting caught is time. Meticulous planning is the key for thieves, murderers, and con artists. They carefully arrange each step, one after the other, until the final piece falls into place.
The audience becomes an indirect participant, witnessing the elaborate scheme unfold. The audacity of these criminals might even lead one to believe that leaving no evidence behind is achievable. The concept of a flawless crime challenges the notion that criminal actions go unrewarded, but just as making an omelet involves breaking eggs, every criminal act comes with a cost.
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10 Crime Movies That Commit the Perfect Crime
Les Diaboliques (1955)
“Les Diaboliques” is a French psychological thriller set in a Parisian boarding school. The headmaster, Michel Delassalle, is known for his harsh disciplinary methods, particularly towards the students. He treats his Venezuelan wife and fellow teacher, Christina, with disdain and abuses his mistress and another teacher, Nicole Horner.
Both women harbor a profound loathing for Michel and plot to bring about his demise. Their scheme involves Christina divorcing him, Nicole administering a sedative and drowning him in her bathtub, and then together, they dispose of Michel’s body in a swimming pool to make it appear as an accidental death. However, a significant complication arises when Michel’s body mysteriously disappears.
Nine Queens (2000)
“Nine Queens” is a heist movie featuring a pair of unconventional con artists, Juan and Marcos, who, individually, lack the ability to deceive effectively. However, by joining forces, they manage to successfully sell a set of counterfeit rare stamps known as the “Nine Queens” to a wealthy collector named Vidal Gandolfo. While Gandolfo agrees to the purchase, the fake stamps are stolen and damaged by a group of thieves.
After this setback, Juan and Marcos regroup and, using their own hard-earned money accumulated through various cons, purchase genuine stamps. What Marcos doesn’t realize is that Juan orchestrated this situation as a ruse to deceive his fellow con artist, making it appear as if their con had failed.
Strangers on a Train (1951)
“Strangers on a Train” is a psychological noir story that revolves around Guy Haines, a tennis star, and Bruno Antony, an unsuspecting psychopath. These two individuals have a conversation where they propose swapping murders: Bruno will eliminate Guy’s unfaithful wife, and in return, Guy will take care of Bruno’s despised father. The idea is that because they have no apparent motive for the murders, they will remain unsolved. However, Guy’s silent agreement with a psychopath ultimately leads to his impending demise.
Thief (1981)
“Thief is a neo-noir heist thriller that follows the story of Frank, a veteran safe cracker who’s determined to leave his jewel-stealing career behind to secure a better future for his wife, Jessie. However, just when Frank is on the verge of retirement, Leo, a ruthless mob boss, intercepts Frank’s final payment, resulting in the death of Frank’s intermediary and the loss of his hard-earned money. In a bid to settle the score, Frank reluctantly agrees to participate in one last daring diamond heist. But as the heist unfolds, Leo’s treachery becomes evident, as he severely underestimates Frank’s exceptional skills.”
The Asphalt Jungle (1950)
“The Asphalt Jungle provides a grim view of the ongoing criminal activities of a group of individuals. Erwin “Doc” Riedenschneider, fresh out of a seven-year prison sentence, hatches a plan to rob a jewelry store in order to settle his debts. He partners with a lawyer and fixer named Alonzo Emmerich to execute the heist. However, when they inadvertently tip off the police, Emmerich’s scheme to abscond with the stolen money falls apart, putting the fugitive thieves in jeopardy.”
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The Day of the Jackal (1973)
“The Day of the Jackal” is a political thriller that revolves around an anonymous British assassin referred to as the Jackal. He is hired by the French terrorist organization OAS to assassinate General Charles de Gaulle, a response to the public’s decision to grant Algeria independence from France. The story unfolds with a web of espionage as security agents leak government information related to the assassination plot. The Jackal, operating under various disguises, nearly disrupts the nation’s political stability but is ultimately apprehended by Deputy Claude Lebel in a last-minute intervention.
The Draughtsman’s Contract (1982)
“The Draughtsman’s Contract” is a murder mystery that unfolds in 17th-century England. The story revolves around Mr. Neville, an artist hired by Mrs. Virginia Herbert to create 12 landscape drawings of her family estate. Virginia’s contract with Mr. Neville includes a stipulation for sexual encounters while her husband is away on business. Virginia’s daughter, Mrs. Talmann, also enters into her own agreement with Mr. Neville to address her own unsatisfactory marriage.
Neville breaches his contract by engaging in a romantic relationship with Mrs. Herbert and creating an extra sketch. The plot takes a dark turn when Mr. Herbert, Virginia’s husband, is killed. Subsequently, the family is involved in the murder of Mr. Neville, suggesting that the women may have used him to secure an heir for their estate.
The Killing (1956)
“The Killing” is a film directed by Stanley Kubrick that falls into the noir genre. It follows the story of Johnny Clay, a criminal looking to change his life and the established order. Johnny plans a heist to rob a racetrack’s funds, involving actions like killing the favorite horse and inciting a bar brawl, which allow the men to flee to their hideout.
Things take a dark turn when the wife of one of the criminals conspires with her lover to steal the stolen money. A violent confrontation ensues, resulting in the death of everyone except Johnny. He seizes the money and attempts to make a clean getaway, but his plans unravel when a series of unfortunate events, including a mishap involving his dog, lead to a chaotic situation at the airport.
The Last Seduction (1994)
“The Last Seduction” is a neo-noir erotic thriller that revolves around Bridget Gregory, a married woman who transforms into a seductive and cunning femme fatale. She absconds with $700,000 worth of cocaine, which her husband, a medical student, was selling to drug dealers. Bridget escapes to Boston, adopts a new identity, secures a job, and embarks on a fresh romance. She employs manipulation and exploitation of societal norms and etiquette to conceal the missing money, deftly playing both men and women against each other.
The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)
“The Postman Always Rings Twice” is a classic film noir centered around Frank Chambers, a wandering man who becomes entangled in a passionate affair with Cora, the young wife of the diner’s owner, Nick Smith. The two of them conspire to eliminate Nick in order to begin a new life together. Cora’s initial attempt to kill Nick by causing a fatal fall fails.
In a later scheme, Cora drives both men into town, while Frank, who is in the passenger seat, strikes Nick unconscious, making it appear as though a drunken car crash caused Nick’s injuries. They almost manage to avoid facing legal consequences for their actions. However, their fate takes a dark turn when a letter arrives on the road, serving as a symbol of poetic justice and a reminder of the consequences of their actions.
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