The collection of reviews pretty much covers the backstory, the importance and enjoyability of this French classic but please allow an additional two cents.
Yes, the set was enormously expensive to build. Is it a work of art, no doubt however, it's still a glorified back-lot and the cineast realizes that fact from the get-go. Think how much more enjoyable, (not to mention cheaper) realistic and noirish shooting on location would have been. Films have been shot on the streets of NY City, San Francisco and L. A. for decades, why not Paris, despite the difficulties. It was the 30's man, less populated. On location shooting would place the picture much closer to the top of the best films ever released.
Yes, the set was enormously expensive to build. Is it a work of art, no doubt however, it's still a glorified back-lot and the cineast realizes that fact from the get-go. Think how much more enjoyable, (not to mention cheaper) realistic and noirish shooting on location would have been. Films have been shot on the streets of NY City, San Francisco and L. A. for decades, why not Paris, despite the difficulties. It was the 30's man, less populated. On location shooting would place the picture much closer to the top of the best films ever released.