Shoot the Piano Player

Shoot the Piano Player is Truffaut's pseudo-parody that was a response to the more serious film noir that was prominent at the time. Although he helped to perpetuate the genre, he came back with this film as a sort of respite against what was expected. However, in that attempt, it is still classified as one of the best films in that genre. The characters are the most obvious spoofs of characters from other films. For example, Charlie's passiveness is very similar to Michel from Pickpocket. Their situations are also very similar in that nothing goes well for either character. The classic, tragic ending occurs for both characters. However, in Shoot the Piano Player, it is almost comical as to how Charlie finds himself back at his piano after another run-around with a woman who wants the best for him. The two thugs who are chasing him are also a point of importance. They make outrageous and outlandish statements that are satires of the gangster lifestyle seen in Breathless or Bob le Flambour. 

The plot itself and the series of events that take place are also reminiscent of other films, but in a humorous way. For example, the death of Charlie's boss doesn't come with consequence for Charlie, rather, he is pardoned. In what has been seen in class so far, there is usually a repercussion for a murder. The biggest parody in this movie is Charlie's averageness. He is a virtuoso piano player, but his situation is almost always taken care of. He constantly has someone watching over him whereas in the other films, there is no guardian, and no easy way out.