Tag: french

Z

Z is a 1969 movie directed by Costa-Gavras.

Z tells the story of a right-wing military government’s attempt to cover up the death of a left-wing activist. The truth slowly unravels during an investigation but also leads to dangerous consequences. Jean-Louis Trintignant plays Le juge d’instruction, who attempts to uncover the corruption. His performance is dynamic and efficient, yet the character is ultimately forced to realize the limits of his pursuit. Marcel Bozzuffi and Renato Salvatori are brilliant as Vago and Yago, the colorful henchmen hired to pull off the murder.

THE BEST – Trintignant’s Interrogations

The highlights of the movie involve Trintignant’s character getting closer to the truth. While the character appears as an efficient, devoted government employee, he craves the moments of verbal sparring that occur. Trintignant gives an extraordinary look when he catches Vago in a trap – one that leads to a significant break in the investigation.

THE WORST – The Epilogue

This isn’t a worst in terms of moviemaking, but rather a realization of how brutally oppressive bureaucratic government machines can act. Everyone on the side of justice in the case suffers, while those responsible for injustice are barely bothered. It’s certainly an indictment of corrupt systems – a reality unfortunate in 1969 and today.

FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 4/5

Z can drag at times but it’s an important and brave movie – both in 1969 terms and today. The acting is sharp and there are some stylistic flashes that make the movie visually appealing. It’s definitely worth a watch.

Pickpocket

Pickpocket is a 1959 movie directed by Robert Bresson.

WHAT HAPPENS?

Michel, a writer, learns the art of pickpocketing. He masters his skill as a means of survival and form of expression.

ONE LINE REVIEW

Pickpocket is both a slick movie about stealing and a psychological study of loneliness.

THE ACTORS

Martin LaSalle plays the title character, giving Michel a detached, sometimes aloof nature. Both the actor and character are not overly emotive – perhaps this is by design, but likely more the effect of LaSalle’s inexperience. Either way, the performance is interesting. There are layers of intrigue hidden in the character but we’re never fully allowed to examine them. Michel has few friends and a strained relationship with his mother. He is completely engrossed in his philosophical morality that society needs thieves, which he uses to justify his criminal behaviors.

Marika Green’s Jeanne is a subtly fascinating character. In some respects, she’s a one-note character. She’s a neighbor of and eventual caretaker for Michel’s mother. She doesn’t understand Michel, but also feels drawn to him. As time passes, she is unmarried with a baby. Michel now reenters her orbit. As the movie closes, he faces jail time – Green’s Jeanne expresses a frustration with her potential suitor, but also reveals a hint of freedom and possible relief.

Continue reading “Pickpocket”

The Passion of Joan of Arc

The Passion of Joan of Arc is a 1928 movie directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer.

WHAT HAPPENS?

The famed French hero is forced to endure a one-sided ecclesiastical trial in 1431. She continually defends her holy visions and faith, which leads to her execution.

ONE LINE REVIEW

The Passion of Joan of Arc is a movie way ahead of its time, featuring brilliant, emotionally dense acting and emotion.

THE ACTORS

Maria Falconetti gives an extraordinary performance in the title role. She essentially inhabits two characters: the scared and bewildered 19-year old facing the cunning of powerful clergy along with a warrior basking in the glow of heavenly bliss.

She continually slips between these two facets of her character. In one frame, she is stern and defensive against her hypocritical accusers – the next, she basks in her God’s light, her hypnotized eyes weeping. Falconetti makes you believe in her conviction – if not her faith – and forces the viewer to suffer the same consequences. It’s a truly remarkable performance.

Continue reading “The Passion of Joan of Arc”