(Marcel Carné, 1945)
Considered the best french film of all time by the Cinémathèque Française (and many critics) director Marcel Carné and writer Jacques Prévert have created a magical, emotional tale filled with compelling visuals, distinctive characters, and striking artistry and theatricality. This film has clearly influenced directors as diverse as Terry Gilliam and Jean Pierre Jeunet, Martin Scorcese, Bob Dylan and others.
The Criterion release is a further refinement of the 1990's Pathé restoration and they have done a fantastic job. The ancillary materials are solid but the film itself is what is so good. The translation/ subtitling is solid as well with few glaring translational issues that I could discover with my meagre french abilities. An historical drama set in the Paris of 1840's it is a time of ribaldry, duels, and diverse entertainments-- it is the "true" story of mime Jean-Gaspard Deburau "Baptiste" and actor Frédérick Lemaître on the famed Boulevard of Crime.
Amazing sets and theatrical "stories within the story" coupled with wonderful music help to add richness to the world peopled by a range of quirky and interesting characters often played brilliantly by the cast. Arletty's Garance, Pierre Brasseur's Frédérick Lemaître, Marcel Harrand's Lacenaire, and Jean-Louis Barrault's amazing mime Baptiste are all winning. There are a number of standout character performances as well (the humorous "Authors" come to mind).
This is a touching tale with something for every heart that has ever known or lost love. (7/7)
Cinémathèque Française
Trailer
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