Landru revisité par un Anglais en Amérique

[chani]

Monsieur Verdoux is such an underrated movie. I read that Chaplin considered it to be his most intelligent and most brilliant film and I understand why, even though, to me, Modern Times will always remain his true masterpiece.

I love the dark humour Chaplin displayed in the film thourgh the witty dialogues and black comedy situations, as well as the pure Chaplin-like comedy moments (especially in scenes with Anabelle Bonheur played by Martha Raye!).
Although it was a bit weird to listen to an English speaking film that is supposed to take place in France, with "monsieur", "madame" and "merci" thrown here and there, the acting is fantastic and the mise-en-scène is brilliant!

What a daring move from Chaplin to leave his famous Tramp, a likeable fellow it was normal to root for, and play this cold-blooded serial killer who would finally deliver the famous phrase:

"Wars, conflicts - it's all business. One murder makes a villain; millions a hero. Numbers sanctify."

The final message of Monsieur Verdoux is a little bit heavy, but the rest is quite subtle and some scenes are just a mere leçon de cinéma !

Comments

black & white

[sc-literati.livejournal.com]

B&W films and film noir are beautiful! B&W photography also has a mystery and sophistication to it, which I look forward to studying in the coming months.

Re: black & white

[frenchani.livejournal.com]

Oh yes! Just look at any Eisenstein's movie!

It is no wonder that film makers still choose B&W these days. Coppola's Tetro or Haneke's The White Ribbon are much more beuatiful than many colour films.

http://frenchani.livejournal.com/377605.html

http://frenchani.livejournal.com/370070.html

Re: black & white

[sc-literati.livejournal.com]

I was not fond of "The White Ribbon" at all. But I'll see if I can find a copy of "Tetro" somewhere.

Re: black & white

[frenchani.livejournal.com]

I am not usually a fan of Haneke but I thought that it was a disturbing but interesting film, and for once the photography was great.

I really liked "Tetro" and think it will age better than "The Gofdfather" precisely thanks to the w&b.