Carne was strong in making images, but did not have a gift for using dialogue that wasn't the most scintillating, but could be made lively (see as an example most of Truffaut's films). This picture has not stood the test of time, like most of those Carne made from 1945 on. Simenon always poses a problem for directors when there is no murder, just a character study as here, and Carne seems lost.
His star is at the top of his form, but that doesn't say much when Gabin only has to appear a little grumpy. When he sees his wife in bed with another man, it's just an occasion for some mildly risqué patter, no violence. The other actors are strictly B-list. Blanchette Brunoy has an agreeable smile and voluptuous body, but not much range. Nicole Courcel, who is supposed to be Gabin's love interest, has an irritating pouty mouth and blank brown eyes. I grew very tired of looking at her.
His star is at the top of his form, but that doesn't say much when Gabin only has to appear a little grumpy. When he sees his wife in bed with another man, it's just an occasion for some mildly risqué patter, no violence. The other actors are strictly B-list. Blanchette Brunoy has an agreeable smile and voluptuous body, but not much range. Nicole Courcel, who is supposed to be Gabin's love interest, has an irritating pouty mouth and blank brown eyes. I grew very tired of looking at her.