La Peur
1936 Drama
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Credits
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Summary
Irène is a happily married middle-aged woman. She has an adoring husband
and young children she dotes on. In a moment of boredom whilst on holiday, she falls
for the charms of a handsome young pianist, Jean. He, in turn, becomes obsessed
with her, and they embark on a whirlwind romance. Irène soon comes to her
senses and, realising what she stands to lose, returns to her family home as if nothing
had happened. Jean tries to see her, insistent that he cannot let her go, but she
refuses to continue the relationship. Then an unknown woman approaches her.
She appears to know something of her affair with Jean. Fearful, Irène willingly
hands over money to her to keep her quiet. She will resort to anything to keep from
her husband the truth of her infidelity…
Review
Russian émigré and cineaste of some repute Viktor Tourjansky directed this
taut melodrama, one of the filmmaker’s more conventional, more naturalistic films.
Les spectacular than his historical dramas, La Peur
bears the hallmarks of Tourjansky’s distinctive cinematic approach – strong performances
from the lead actors and suitably atmospheric chiaroscuro photography (which is suggestive
of early film noir). With its intimate depiction of family life, the film has a
sense of realism that is quite rare in cinema of this period. The film features
Gaby Morlay in one of her most memorable roles, a stunning portrayal of a woman who tries
desperately to hold her life together when mid-life crisis strikes.
© James Travers 2007 Write a review for this film... |
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