Film Review
Vive le tour is director Louis Malle's affectionate homage to one of France's most
treasured institutions, the
Tour de France cycle race. In this short documentary
film, Malle and his camera team marvellously capture the ambience of the Tour: the unbridled
enthusiasm of the crowds of spectators, the beauty of the French countryside setting,
and the gruelling ordeal of the participants.
We see how the cyclists refresh themselves during their marathon races, the sorry effects
of dope-taking, the pain and disappointment of injured cyclists and, finally, the indescribable
delight of the victors on the podium. With its eloquent and evocative photography,
accompanied by Georges Delerue's enchanting music, this is less a documentary and more
a visual poem which says almost all there needs to be said on the greatest cycle race
in the world.
© James Travers 2002
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.
Next Louis Malle film:
Le Feu follet (1963)
Film Synopsis
La Grande Boucle, better known as the Tour de France, is the most eagerly
anticipated sporting event in France each year. In this affectionate
documentary short, director Louis Malle pays tribute to the extraordinary
heroism and stamina of those who participate in this, the world's greatest
cycling competition. The need to take in refreshments in the course
of each stage of the Tour, which can involve impromptu raids on conveniently
located bars and cafés, is stressed with some wry humour, before the
film turns to more serious matters - the emotional and physical pain of accidents,
and the harmed caused by the consumption of performance enhancing drugs.
Whatever personal hardships its contestants have to endure for the love of
their sport, the Tour de France remains a great sporting event of national
and international prestige. Malle's film evokes not only the dedication
of those who take part in the competition, but also the devotion of everyone
who watches it - an annual celebration of human endurance and the noble sport
of cycling.
© James Travers
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.