Film still from Rififi (1955) dir Jules Dassin
The first modern heist movie that has inspired countless others, Rififi follows four men planning a technically perfect crime, resulting in an extraordinary thirty-minute silent burglary sequence.
After five years in prison, Parisian gangster Tony le Stéphanois reunites with his friends and quickly ends up concocting an ingenious plan to rob a famous jewellery store.
What ensues is a carefully choreographed robbery, carried out almost entirely in silence. With dialogue and music stripped away, listening itself transforms into a source of tension by forcing audiences to attend to every scrape, creak and breath.
Presented as part of our series exploring sound, evidence and perception, Rififi offers a masterclass in the dramatic possibilities of listening. The film's meticulous attention to sonic detail reveals how sound—and its absence—can shape narrative, suspense and our understanding of what unfolds on screen.
Caline Matar is the deputy director of Earshot, the world's first non-profit organisation using sound in the defence of human and environmental rights.
Book two ticketed events as part of the Lawrence Abu Hamdan: Repercussions takeover and get 20% off, book three or more and get 30% off.
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) provides guidance to audiences, to help them choose what’s right for them and avoid what’s not. For guidance, please click here and type the film title into the search bar.
Repercussions is generously supported by Cockayne Grants for the Arts, a Donor Advised Fund, held at The Prism Charitable Trust.
In an age where it is harder to believe what we see, sound is becoming increasingly vital evidence for political resistance.
Discover other events in the programme which explore the urgent and expansive concept of sonic rights:
Hear from the 'Private Ear'
Learn more about Lawrence Abu Hamdan's work in audio analysis and aural testimony.
Cinema 1
Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.
Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
