Well-known for his influential crime films (LE SAMOURAI, LE CERCLE ROUGE), director Jean-Pierre Melville explores the lives of French Resistance fighters in his moody World War II masterpiece, ARMY OF SHADOWS. Restrained and controlled, the film follows Philippe Gerbier (Lino Ventura) and other members of the underground as they carry out clandestine missions against Nazi occupiers. And while there are some exciting scenes (air drops, escape attempts), the film largely avoids action-film histrionics. Its tone is a subdued one and tension results from its quiet moments, interrupted by brief, jarring violence. This is appropriate, given the film's subject matter. Silence is the guiding principle of espionage and the film's look--bruised and penumbral--reflects the tenuous position of its characters, who live divided, imperiled existences. There is no glib heroism in ARMY OF SHADOWS; there are only people living through untenable situations, acting as is necessary and sacrificing, perhaps, everything.
DVD Features:
2-Disc Set
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85
Full Frame - 1.33
Audio:
Dolby Digital 2.0 - French
Subtitles - English - Optional
Additional Release Material:
Featurette: "Film Restoration Demonstration by Pierre Lhomme"
Audio Commentary: Ginette Vincendeau
Trailers: Theatrical Trailer
Shorts:
1. "L'Armee Des Ombres" (2006)
2. "Le Journal De La Resistance" (1944)
Screenplay
Jean-Pierre Melville: French Director
Source Writer
Joseph Kessel: Screenwriter
Director of Photography
Pierre Lhomme: FRENCH DOP
Review 1:
4 stars out of 5 -- ARMY is a rare gem -- truly important and a testament to French cool under fire."
Source: Rolling Stone
p.114 06/14/2007
Shopping Cart:
