https://wordsandpeace.com/2023/06/30/paris-in-july-2023/
The film is on YouTube
It is based on the 1945 novel Arch of Triumph by Erich Maria Remarque, which he wrote during his nine-year exile in the United States.
To be the best things about the movie are the Preformance by Ingrid Bergman and the cinematography
The film is set in Paris in the winter of 1938, one year before the beginning of the second World War. It tells the story of Ravic (Boyer), an Austrian political refugee and doctor who practices medicine illegally under a false name. He saves Joan Madou (Bergman) from committing suicide after the sudden death of her lover. They become involved, but he is deported and she becomes the mistress of Alex (Laughton), a very wealthy man. Ravic eventually returns, still seeking revenge against the Nazi officer, von Haake (Laughton), who tortured Ravic's beloved to death. Von Haake is in Paris, in civilian dress, for some unknown, sinister purpose.
The film was a critical and commercial failure upon its release. It was criticized for its meandering plot and for its failure to capture the spirit of Remarque's novel. However, the film has since been re-evaluated by critics, who now praise its cinematography and its performances by Bergman, Boyer, and Laughton.
The cinematography is by James Wong Howe, who won an Academy Award for his work on the film. The film's use of chiaroscuro lighting creates a dark and oppressive atmosphere that reflects the mood of the times.
• The performances by the three leads are all excellent. Bergman gives a heartbreaking performance as Joan, a woman who is struggling to cope with the loss of her lover and the harsh realities of life as a refugee. Boyer is also excellent as Ravic, a complex and troubled character who is driven by revenge and a desire to find redemption. Laughton is suitably villainous as von Haake, a sadistic Nazi officer who is determined to get away with his crimes.
The film's score by Franz Waxman is also notable. The score is both haunting and beautiful, and it perfectly complements the film's visuals and story.
Overall, Arch of Triumph is a flawed but well-made film that is worth watching for its cinematography, performances, and score. It depicts a time and place where no-one can be fully trusted. In one shocking scene a 21 year old girl dies after a self endured abortion in spite of efforts by Charles Boyer to save her
The Bergman character flips from being a lost soul in need of help to a seemingly Sinister woman who causes death wherever she goes.
To me this is a Noir classic.
I will next post on Paris Blues starring Sidney Portier and Paul Newman
I am very grateful to Emma for hosting Paris in July 2023
Mel Ulm
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2 comments:
Both Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer are favourites of mine. I might have a look at it. Sometimes, I feel these old movies are a little bit out of date, but according to your review this one might be ok.
Any movie with Bergman is worth watching, right?
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