Directed by:
Robert BressonScreenplay:
Robert BressonCinematography:
Léonce-Henri BurelCast:
François Leterrier, Charles Le Clainche, Maurice Beerblock, Roland Monod, Roger Planchon, Jacques Ertaud, Jean Paul Delhumeau, Roger Treherne (more)Plots(1)
Robert Bresson writes and directs this 1950s French drama based on the memoirs of Andre Devigny. Lieutenant Fontaine (Francois Leterrier), a member of the French Resistance, is imprisoned and condemned to death by the Nazis. The film follows his attempts to escape from his cell at Montluc with the help of his teenage cellmate, Francois Jost (Charles le Clainche). (Artificial Eye)
(more)Reviews (2)
Prison Break French style, and incredibly realistic. The intimate narrative may be as cold as a penguin’s butt, and the supporting characters seem like mere necessary backdrops in their behaviour and speech, but as a depiction of real, depressing events I believed it. Sometimes there is strength in simplicity, and this classic film, although not among the most typical representatives of this saying, is an example of it. 70%
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An extremely interesting film, which is very calm in its execution, despite being about a prison escape. Its poetics make it a film noir, but one without action, and it is very slow-paced. But that doesn't matter at all, because watching everything unfold through the eyes of the one trying to escape creates enough tension, along with strong, emotional moments. Even without music. It can be done if you want to; you just need to understand the film and its possibilities.
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