Les Marins perdus (2003) - film review

Shortly after arriving in the port of Marseilles, the crew of a cargo ship discover that their work contracts have been terminated.  With a meagre payoff, the luckless sailors – all immigrants from poor families – leave the ship to try to find work elsewhere.  Only the ship’s captain, Abdul, and his second, Diamantis, remain to reflect on what has happened.  To their surprise, another member of the crew – a young man named Nedim – returns to the ship, having been conned out of his money by a pair of prostitutes.  The stage is set for a tragic denouement…

With Les Marins perdus, director Claire Devers continues her exploration of the dark existentialist themes which are evoked by grim contemporary situations.  This is a film about alienation, exploitation and resentment of a life wasted, a haunting work whose impact derives mainly from the atmospheric photography and some gripping acting performances.  The film’s realism and impact are cruelly marred by some inappropriate casting choices (Audrey Tautou is such an obvious miscast) and a few overly theatrical plot developments.  The dramatic ending has a touch of the Grand Guignol, somehow undermining the tragedy that is so perfectly conveyed in the film’s opening fifteen minutes.

© James Travers 2005

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