Army of Shadows,
Jean-Pierre Melville’s follow-up to his LesSamourai, remains, along with the latter, as his most internationally
famous work. Adapted from Joseph Kessel’s semi- autobiographical novel of the
same name, this remains as one of the finest movies on the subject of World War
II, and more specifically, the role of French Resistance during the war. The
fact that Melville was himself a part of the Resistance during his youth, added
layers of eerie realism to the proceedings. The somber, moody and hauntingly
beautiful film is about the world-weary members of an underground Resistance
group fighting the Nazis, and more importantly, striving to prevent capture by,
and the ensuing torture at the hands of Gestapo. A number of characters have
been wonderfully delineated with Philippe Gerbier (Lino Ventura), a
high-ranking member of the clandestine group, being the principal protagonist
of the storyline. The film was notable for director’s refusal to take any
stance regarding such topics as heroism and morality, making it all the more
frighteningly real – the clumsy and cold-blooded murder of a young turncoat was
one of the most chilling sequences imaginable, as was the clinical execution of
a revered member for having fallen into the German hands. The Nazis, in fact, occupy
very less screen-time, as the focus here was on the psychological toll on the
Resistance fighters, their intense alienation and the difficult moral choices
they oftentimes need to make. Brilliantly photographed in soothing blues and superbly
enacted by the cast, this taut, quietly engaging and deeply fatalistic film
provided a disconcerting window into the otherwise romanticized world of the
French Resistance.
Director: Jean-Pierre Melville
Genre: Drama/Psychological Drama/War Drama
Language: French
Country: France
2 comments:
This along with the two color films that surround it are absolutely essential. Melville was firing at all cylinders during this period. If he had more money to make Un Flic like he was accustomed too, then that final movie would of probably been a masterpiece as well. Second Breath should also not be ignored... part of the big three with Clouzot and Becker when it comes to French noir.... M.Roca
Indeed, and let us not forget Malle - though a one-off, but he gave us the fabulous noir Elevator to the Gallows! This was only my third tryst with Melville (the other two being Le Samourai & Bob le Flambeur) - need to watch the ones mentioned by you. Thanks Maurizio for sharing your thoughts.
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