Le Quai des Brumes (Port of Shadows, Marcel Carn, France 1938, 91 min.) is a fabulous example of poetic realism. Poetic realism was a cinematic movement that emerged in France during the 1930's. The imagery, the play of shadows and fog, and the story of tragic lovers are all components of this style. The style is very similar to the more well-known style of Film Noir most likely because of the influence poetic realism had on it.
Port of Shadows is a story about a man, played by Jean Gabin, who is a military deserter. He finds himself involved with the corrupt lower class of a French town. In the process of trying to obtain a new identity and move to Venezuela, Jean falls in love with the young woman Nelly, played by Michele Morgan. Nelly comes with some baggage though. The only way Jean can be with Nelly is if he deals with a number of corrupt men that are causing problems for her. Unfortunately it leads the lovers to a tragic end.
The movie was entertaining but I can't say Poetic Expressionism is my favorite of styles. I do love the scenes near the water and the play of shadows and fog. I also love the extremely cute dog haha. Even though it isn't a personal preference, Marcel Carné definitely achieved the style. Other than having a slightly slow pace, Port of Shadows is an entertaining film with intriguing characters.
Port of Shadows is a story about a man, played by Jean Gabin, who is a military deserter. He finds himself involved with the corrupt lower class of a French town. In the process of trying to obtain a new identity and move to Venezuela, Jean falls in love with the young woman Nelly, played by Michele Morgan. Nelly comes with some baggage though. The only way Jean can be with Nelly is if he deals with a number of corrupt men that are causing problems for her. Unfortunately it leads the lovers to a tragic end.
The movie was entertaining but I can't say Poetic Expressionism is my favorite of styles. I do love the scenes near the water and the play of shadows and fog. I also love the extremely cute dog haha. Even though it isn't a personal preference, Marcel Carné definitely achieved the style. Other than having a slightly slow pace, Port of Shadows is an entertaining film with intriguing characters.