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https://theconversation.com/children-of-paradise-is-the-greatest-film-to-come-out-of-france-even-80-years-on-250509>
"It is March 9 1945 in a swanky cinema in Paris. The audience is settling in
for the premiere of
Children of Paradise (
Les Enfants du paradis) – the
latest work by Marcel Carné, best known for his moody 1930s “poetic realist”
films. The script is by celebrated poet Jacques Prévert. The curtains part. The
film begins.
The audience is quickly plunged into the clutter and chaos of 1840s Paris, with
the backdrop of the bustling world of theatre.
Four very different men – the dandified thief Lacenaire, the mime Baptiste, the
aspiring actor Frédérick Lemaître, and the wealthy aristocrat de Montray – are
in love with the same woman. She is Garance, played unforgettably by Arletty.
What follows will break your heart.
I would argue
Children of Paradise is France’s greatest film – its
performances, production design and prestige undiminished. It is a heady brew
of murder, betrayal, warmth and kindness. It is also a deeply moving love
letter to Paris, and to the theatre."
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
