Le Diable probablement
1977 Drama   

 

Review
Robert Bresson’s darkest film, probably.  Filmed in the minimalist, yet effective, style that distinguished Bresson’s later films, Le Diable probablement is a film which reflects both Bresson’s belief in the sanctity of the human soul and the growing public concern arising from shocking ecological and political disasters of the mid 1970s.

Bresson relieves his audience of the burden of suspense by telling us the film’s outcome in its opening shot.  Likewise, his technique of getting his actors to display no visible emotions in their performances and avoiding filming dramatic sequences directly (except for the remarkable tree-felling sequence), bleeds the film of any theatrical artifice and melodrama.  What is left is a cold, cynical portrayal of one man’s journey towards self-destruction.

A compelling and thought-provoking film which is as relevant today as it was when it was first released.

© James Travers 2000

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  Director: Robert Bresson
Starring: Antoine Monnier, Tina Irissari, Henri de Maublanc, Laetitia Carcano, Nicolas Deguy

Synopsis
Disillusioned by the failings of a materialistic society, a young man, Charles, searches in vain for meaning in his life.  Education, physical love, religion, politics, religion, even psychiatric treatment…  Nothing, it seems, can offer him a reason for living.  But he cannot bring himself to commit suicide...

Credits
  • Director: Robert Bresson
  • Script: Robert Bresson
  • Photo: Pasqualino De Santis
  • Music: Philippe Sarde, Claudio Monteverdi
  • Cast: Antoine Monnier (Charles), Tina Irissari (Alberte), Henri de Maublanc (Michel), Laetitia Carcano (Edwige), Nicolas Deguy (Valentin), Régis Hanrion (Dr Mime)
  • Country: France
  • Language: French
  • Runtime: 95 min
  • Aka: The Devil Probably



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