This early example of the French mystery crime thriller (or ‘polar’) manages
to evoke the American film noir genre which inspired it, most notably in the shadowy sets
and atmospheric photography... [More...]
This atmospheric work excels mainly on the strength of the performance of its lead actor,
Raimu, arguably one of French cinema’s greatest talents... [More...]
Already renowned for his acutely surreal and optimistic view of life, director René
Clair surpassed himself with this outlandish romantic fantasy... [More...]
This sumptuous Franco-Italian blockbuster production exemplifies
historical film dramas of the 1950s – beautifully shot in Technicolor
and showing a meticulous attention to detail in its lavish costume and
set... [More...]
Towards the end of his career, writer and film director Sacha Guitry made three major
historical films, each of which earned him critical acclaim and each of which has retained
an enduring popularity... [More...]
Max Ophüls’ final film is his most visually stunning, whilst evoking the cinematographic
brilliance of his earlier masterpieces, La Ronde and Madame de…
Although made in the notoriously ephemeral Eastmancolor... [More...]
Over forty years after making his landmark epic Napoléon
, Abel Gance returns to the life of France’s most famous general in this
lavish production which focuses on one comparatively short but decisive point... [More...]
