Based on the novel by former convict Jose Giovanni, Le Trou tells the true story of a group of inmates’ escape from a prison in Paris. Becker’s last film, it was made whilst he was dying: the inmates’ quiet determinism perhaps reflecting the film-maker’s stoicism in finishing the film. As a result Le Trou is a taut, lean drama; minimal use of dialogue and music along with the stunning black and white photography make for an intensely emotional filmic experience that was nominated for awards at both the BAFTAS and the Cannes film festival upon it’s release.