Le Corbeau (The Criterion Collection)
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Ginette Leclerc, Héléna Manson, Jeanne Fusier-Gir, Micheline Francey, Pierre FresnayDVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Subtitled); French (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
Format: Black & White, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 92 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-02-17
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Criterion
Movie Reviews of Le Corbeau (The Criterion Collection)
Movie Review: Best French film I've seen yet.
Summary: 5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this film, even though it is rather pessimistic in tone. The enjoyment stemmed from experiencing what, to me, seemed to be flawlessly executed performances by all parties-cast, camera crew, and actors. Much has been made of the symbolic significance of this story as it relates to the German occupation of France during World War II, but, for my part, I see it as being valid for all time periods.
The despicable practice of anonymously trying to destroy someone's reputation might well flourish in an occupied country, especially when the occupying authorities encourage informers. But, unfortunately, there are always those who derive a sadistic thrill from causing trouble for others, especially from a position of concealment. In 'Le Courbeau', we see how an entire town can be thrown into a feverish turmoil of suspicion and fear by a skillful poison-pen operator.
The story told by this film is quite plausible and does not depend for it's success on genre gimmickry, although it could be said to have a very noir flavor. There is a psychological depth to the characters that you won't find in most film-noir movies, even good ones. This has to be due to great directing and a fine script.
The aspect of this film which really elevates it to a work of art for me is the cinematography, which is always perfectly in tune with the mood of the drama. The remarkable opening scenes overlooking the medieval-appearing town, the transition to a sunlit churchyard, then views of church spires, and finally a huge barred gate, seems to introduce from the very beginning contrasting forces of light and darkness which will soon be manifested in the behavior of the citizens. There are many scenes where shadows and alternating light and dark reflect the conflicting elements between characters or within the same person. In an amazingly expressive scene where a woman in a robe-like garment was being pursued by a mob, the very motion and shading of her garb seemed to capture and heighten the frenzy and terror of her situation.
There are no paragons in this movie. The average people of the town become members of a ravening pack out for blood. Then there are those who are able to resist the madness to large degree, but who still are at odds with the dark forces both within and outside themselves. It is this treatment of the story that gives the film it's universality. The idea that evil is not neatly contained in a scapegoat somewhere outside ourselves, but is something we all must master through objectivity, self-examination, and the lessons of experience, give the film a relevance for all eras. This lesson, at least to me, was implicit, but was not conveyed by moral preachments. Rather, in accord with the film's high artistic level, it came through as a truth about life and human nature, revealed through the imagery and dialogue.
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