Hossein started directing films in 1955 with Les Salauds vont en enfer, from a story by Frédéric Dard whose novels and plays went on to furnish Hossein with much of his later film material. Right from the start Hossein established his characteristic trademarks: using a seemingly straightforward suspense plot and subverting its conventions (sometimes to the extent of a complete disregard of the traditional demand for a final twist or revelation) in order to concentrate on ritualistic relationships.
Hossein started directing films in 1955 with Les Salauds vont en enfer, which was influenced by Frédéric Dard's literary works that would later inform Hossein's filmmaking style. From the outset, Hossein showcased his signature approach: using straightforward narrative techniques while playfully subverting their conventions (at times to the point of ignoring traditional expectations for a dramatic resolution) in order to focus on the symbolic relationships between characters.