Jean-Pierre Melville's script, adapted from Joseph Kessel's novel, is extraordinary, providing a sophisticated view of the terribly negative impact on themselves of the necessary actions of the French Resistance fighters during WWII. The film seems very modern in this regard, also in the manner of story-telling, which is extremely oblique as to plot; quite often we don't know who is who, how they relate to each other, or what's going on. We see what's happening, but not the big picture. Presumably, this would have been a common experience for the protagonists, too, as speaking openly of things, or trusting unfamiliar people, would have been dangerous. So, it makes the viewer pay attention to non-verbal cues. Interesting use of first person monologue, shifting between protagonists, adding to mood.
At times the action drags, as tension builds, punctuated with harrowing or explosive scenes of violence, or rather, the build up to violence, and the portrayal of the aftermaths of violence. Melville doesn't dwell on depictions of violence, though violence is the threat running throughout the film. The execution of the first traitorous comrade is extremely harrowing, as Melville puts us there in the house with the executioners, as they work through the unexpected logistical obstacles and show the emotional cost.
Given the soul-destroying actions the Resistance fighters have had to take, the final shot of the Arc d'Triomphe is ironic in the extreme. Was it worth it?
- Rating: Full price
- When seen: 12 Jun 2010
- Where seen: Home
- More information: IMDB | RottenTomatoes | Wikipedia
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Amendments: Removed link to Wikipedia-sourced image. Added ranking image.
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