Panique (1946, Black and White), a French crime drama, is very profound. It simply mesmerizes. The actors are all terrific, the dialogue is superb and Julien Duvivier's direction is very instructive. It tells an excellent story, which really connects to viewers on an individual basis. Considering the war-torn era (1946) from which it emerged, a period when conformity must have prevailed, Panique is an exceedingly brave denunciation of mob rule.
In the Paris suburbs, an old maid has been murdered. The police have no clues. The misanthropic, Monsieur Hire (Michel Simon, age 51, in a career defining performance) is the only member of the working-class town who does not show concern for the deceased. Monsieur Hire is Mister Unpopular. No one else enjoys his gloomy, occasionally very creepy company. He is emblematic of a person that everyone else likes to pick on. (While there are no explicit politics in the film, it appears the Jewish appearance of M. Hire in 1946 France spoke on behalf of those being persecuted by the rise of Fascism.)
Shortly before the maid's demise, the ravishing Alice (Viviane Romance) was released from prison. She had taken the rap for some (unmentioned) crime committed by her boyfriend, Alfred (Paul Bernard). The perpetually scheming Alfred is regarded as handsome by both Alice and an especially vocal prostitute. However, Alfred is a scumbag; as not only did he commit the crime for which Alice went to jail, but he is also the person who brutally killed the old maid. (It was during a botched robbery seeking the servant's money. BTW, the story reveals the maid's killer early on.)
As Alice returns to society, she and Alfred pretend not to know each other. They put on an act for observers by pretending to fall in love at first sight. Tensions elevate when Monsieur Hire begins staring at the two from his adjacent apartment. We will learn that the dour old man finds Alice so attractive that he watches her even when she is alone with Alfred. When Alfred realizes the spying is occurring he becomes incensed with the older man. Alfred employs his unique charisma to convince Alice to get to know Monsieur for the purpose of finding some way to hurt him.
While teasing him with her sensuous wiles, Alice becomes acquainted with the Monsieur. Contrary to the public perception of him, it turns out that Monsieur is actually very sharp, firm in temperament and possessing quiet confidence. Yet, the older person just can't grasp she is with Alfred. Monsieur immediately falls in love with the woman and proposes marriage to her.
As the conclusion draws near we have a woman who is loved by two men. One of the men is a peerless manipulator and a murderer for a crime still under investigation. The other man is as widely unpopular as he is misanthropic. The story (adapted from Georges Simenon's novel by Charles Spaak and Julien Duvivier) leads to a predictable but unforgettable finish. As a viewer, you feel very alone; certainly the haunting conclusion speaks very truthfully about this world.
The running time is 91 minutes. The scenes flow seamlessly. If it is possible to feel this way about a Black and White movie, the events seem to be unfolding before your eyes. (By the way, it is interesting how Paul Bernard's name is reportedly the 24th listed in the credits. Perhaps this was done so not to encourage children to admire Alfred.)
Julien Duvivier's direction in this is highly regarded by many. I really enjoyed noticing when Duvivier has his camera tilting up at an actor, versus looking down; as well as when someone's entire body is seen or just part of it. Duvivier's imagery utilizes the entire frame. This director tells a great story. Overall, every participant makes a perfect contribution.
I recommend Panique very highly. C'est la vie!
(Note to IMDb: I am not sure whether I have spoiled anything. So, I checked off "contains spoiler" to be sure I don't.)
In the Paris suburbs, an old maid has been murdered. The police have no clues. The misanthropic, Monsieur Hire (Michel Simon, age 51, in a career defining performance) is the only member of the working-class town who does not show concern for the deceased. Monsieur Hire is Mister Unpopular. No one else enjoys his gloomy, occasionally very creepy company. He is emblematic of a person that everyone else likes to pick on. (While there are no explicit politics in the film, it appears the Jewish appearance of M. Hire in 1946 France spoke on behalf of those being persecuted by the rise of Fascism.)
Shortly before the maid's demise, the ravishing Alice (Viviane Romance) was released from prison. She had taken the rap for some (unmentioned) crime committed by her boyfriend, Alfred (Paul Bernard). The perpetually scheming Alfred is regarded as handsome by both Alice and an especially vocal prostitute. However, Alfred is a scumbag; as not only did he commit the crime for which Alice went to jail, but he is also the person who brutally killed the old maid. (It was during a botched robbery seeking the servant's money. BTW, the story reveals the maid's killer early on.)
As Alice returns to society, she and Alfred pretend not to know each other. They put on an act for observers by pretending to fall in love at first sight. Tensions elevate when Monsieur Hire begins staring at the two from his adjacent apartment. We will learn that the dour old man finds Alice so attractive that he watches her even when she is alone with Alfred. When Alfred realizes the spying is occurring he becomes incensed with the older man. Alfred employs his unique charisma to convince Alice to get to know Monsieur for the purpose of finding some way to hurt him.
While teasing him with her sensuous wiles, Alice becomes acquainted with the Monsieur. Contrary to the public perception of him, it turns out that Monsieur is actually very sharp, firm in temperament and possessing quiet confidence. Yet, the older person just can't grasp she is with Alfred. Monsieur immediately falls in love with the woman and proposes marriage to her.
As the conclusion draws near we have a woman who is loved by two men. One of the men is a peerless manipulator and a murderer for a crime still under investigation. The other man is as widely unpopular as he is misanthropic. The story (adapted from Georges Simenon's novel by Charles Spaak and Julien Duvivier) leads to a predictable but unforgettable finish. As a viewer, you feel very alone; certainly the haunting conclusion speaks very truthfully about this world.
The running time is 91 minutes. The scenes flow seamlessly. If it is possible to feel this way about a Black and White movie, the events seem to be unfolding before your eyes. (By the way, it is interesting how Paul Bernard's name is reportedly the 24th listed in the credits. Perhaps this was done so not to encourage children to admire Alfred.)
Julien Duvivier's direction in this is highly regarded by many. I really enjoyed noticing when Duvivier has his camera tilting up at an actor, versus looking down; as well as when someone's entire body is seen or just part of it. Duvivier's imagery utilizes the entire frame. This director tells a great story. Overall, every participant makes a perfect contribution.
I recommend Panique very highly. C'est la vie!
(Note to IMDb: I am not sure whether I have spoiled anything. So, I checked off "contains spoiler" to be sure I don't.)