The Two of Us (The Criterion Collection)
by Claude Berri
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Alain Cohen, Charles Denner, Luce Fabiole, Michel Simon, Roger CarelDirector: Claude Berri
Brand: Image Entertainment
Producer: Claude Berri
Writer: Claude Berri
Producer: André Hunebelle
Producer: Paul Cadéac
Writer: Charles Nastat
Writer: Gérard Brach
Writer: Michel Rivelin
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Subtitled); French (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
Format: Black & White, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.66:1
Running Time: 87 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2007-06-12
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Criterion Collection
Movie Reviews of The Two of Us (The Criterion Collection)
Movie Review: Thanks, Criterion, for bringing us this no-longer-rare gem
Summary: 5 Stars
The guy who played the old man wasn't summoned from a nearby street corner. Revered actor Michel Simon comfortably inhabits the character of Pepe. Simon was a veteran of over 100 performances, dating back to Carl Dreyer's late-'20s cinematic tone poem The Passion of Joan of Arc. Long beloved of French audiences by the time this film was made: this isn't the final role in his career but among his later ones.
An inestimable moment among many is Pepe and Mèmè's passive-aggressive struggle over possibly being late to Mass. The husband's blessedly irascible indifference frustrates his wife's attempts to "help" (i.e. meddle) with the child's bathing (not ill-intentioned, but hardly motivated by motherly care). Serendipitously, this helps Claude maintain privacy not only for his body, but also his identity. It's an amusing vignette: but had things happened only a little bit differently, this could have been a matter of life and death. Note the subtlety of the performance from the boy (Alain Cohen), particularly his watchful eyes, and how--until one crucial moment--he takes care to conceal himself without calling too much attention to the fact.
Not certain why The Two of Us was chosen over the film's original title, which translates literally as The Old Man and the Child (Le vieil homme et l'enfant). But could either have more aptly reflected--in their simplicity--the charm of this story?
Consider the following. Who hasn't struggled with this? Think of that acquaintance or co-worker (we all know at least one)--who occasionally spews venom toward a traditionally-despised class--yet is typically so cheerful, so seemingly nice. WHAT to do?? Tell them you're offended? You suspect they're unlikely to change, and--if you do speak out--neither of you will be comfortable talking with one another ever again. How would this be of benefit for anyone? But in remaining silent, do you implicitly approve of bigotry?
SPOILER ALERT -- In dual reviews (one from the time of the theatrical release, one recently), Roger Ebert explores this dilemma. He argues convincingly that The Two of Us would have been a less satisfying film had the plot taken a more-predictable course, such as: the old man accidentally learns of the boy's heritage, and is forced to reassess his prejudices. What an improbable "conversion," intended to please (read: pander to) the audience in their desire for simplicity of a different kind.
In this story, young Claude is the character who changes. Had he not learned forgiveness toward those who fail to understand him entirely, his life would have been more frustrating, and it seems likely he would have made fewer friends.
Summary of The Two of Us (The Criterion Collection)
A Jewish boy living in Nazi-occupied Paris is sent by his parents to the countryside to live with an elderly Catholic couple until France?s liberation. Forced to hide his identity, the eight-year-old, Claude (played delicately by first-time actor Alain Cohen), bonds with the irascible, staunchly anti-Semitic Grampa (Michel Simon), who improbably becomes his friend and confidant. Poignant and lighthearted, The Two of Us was acclaimed director Claude Berri?s debut feature, based on his own childhood experiences, and gave the legendary Simon one of his most memorable roles in the twilight of his career.Similar DVD Movies
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