People embrace the enchanting glow of the big screen for all manner of reasons; to journey to faraway places they could only ever imagine, to experience the escapism of a captivating story, or maybe to indulge in an obsession with the world of cinema. For me, all three of these reasons apply - and many more - but first and foremost is the satisfaction of recommending obscure films to other like-minded individuals who adopt them as their new favourites.
With over 100 years worth of films to choose from, and many of these now available at the click of a button, it can be extremely difficult to narrow your choices down to pick a film to watch. Although cinema has been around for over four times longer than my life on this earth, I have spent what some may consider an unhealthy amount of these years delving into the history of films to discover some of the best hidden gems out there.
Je T'attendrai
Director - Léonide Moguy
Country - France
Year - 1939
With the outbreak of World War One, many families and lovers were
separated when men deemed fit for active duty were drafted into the French army
to protect the country from the approaching German army. This situation tested
the loyalties of soldiers torn between the love for their country and their
devotion towards those closest to them, with some (brave or foolish?) men even
risking the death penalty by fleeing from their duties in pursuit of being
reunited with their loved ones. Je T'attendrai or The Deserter is
a stirring French drama that explores this very notion when a soldier seizes
the chance to visit the woman he intends to marry, for one last time before
heading towards the front, after a faulty train track delays the transportation
of his unit.
This poignant tale by Director Léonide Moguy was released in 1939, prior to
the start of World War Two, and was subsequently pulled from circulation when
its content was viewed as defamatory towards the war efforts. As a result, this
beautifully shot romance was consigned to obscurity, where it sadly remained
until none other than Quentin Tarantino pushed for its restoration when
discovering Moguy's filmography during his research for Inglourious Basterds.
Moguy utilises the war as a thrilling backdrop to his emotionally charged
romance and provides a rare, hopeful outlook to his storyline that unfolds
largely in real time - an inventive approach considering the era in which the
film was made. His considered framing creates an enchanting and evocative view
of the distressing situations encountered by the film's key players. The
striking imagery is one of Je T'attendrai's most accomplished elements
and the memorable shots enhance an already enthralling storyline.
Private Paul Marchand (Jean-Pierre Aumont) is the lovelorn soldier
who convinces his commanding officer to allow him to visit Marie (Corinne
Luchaire), the alluring lady from his hometown who has captured his heart.
Aumont is perfectly cast in this role, embodying the characteristics of an
innocent young soldier who is fearful that he may never return from the war.
Marchand seizes the opportunity to allay his concerns about a future together
with Marie only to find that the distance between the two lovers - and the
interference of Marchand's proud parents - has taken its toll on their
relationship. Luchaire's dazzling performance as Marie encapsulates the pain and
grief of a lonely woman, uncertain if the future holds any prospects for her
and the man she was once smitten with. Their natural chemistry lights up the
screen, delivering an emotional hook that encourages the audience to desire a
rekindling of their union.
We become fearful not only for the fate of this relationship but
for Marchand's life as he risks being court martialled if he fails to make it
back to his squadron before the train departs. These anxieties weigh heavy on
our protagonist as he wrestles with his feelings and faces almost impossible
decisions in the pursuit of his own happiness. A rousing score heightens the
tension and invokes a sense of urgency as Marchand's limited time with Marie
comes close to expiring. Heated scenes in the storeroom of a bar which Marie
now works in leave us with bated breath as the bar owner's manipulative hold
over Marie is challenged by Marchand, causing a devastating blow to the
couple's chance of working through their differences.
Reluctant reconciliations result in a flurry of activity in the
film's intense finale as the main characters scramble to retain their hold on
that which is dearest to them. Like the ever-ticking clock in High Noon,
we are conscious of the short window of opportunity presented to Marchand and
this ploy brings a generous dose of suspense to an otherwise relatively
simplistic storyline. There is beauty in Je T'attendrai's simplicity
though; it's an elegantly told and engaging story with universal appeal. The
care and attention paid to the cinematography and the heartfelt acting elevate
the screenplay to the realm of an overlooked French classic that deserves to be
bestowed with far more acclaim and appreciation than it currently
garners.
Those who take pleasure in perusing the forgotten annals of a
country renowned for its incredible contribution to the cinematic landscape
will undoubtedly rejoice in experiencing such an impassioned labour of love
from Léonide Moguy. Its snapshot of an era in history prior to the
devastation of World War Two offers a fascinating insight into the cruel
follies of World War One and the ensuing regret that consumed enlisted soldiers
as they headed out to the front, unaware if they will ever return. The breath-taking
artistry of the images presented by Moguy serve to create a highly memorable
encounter that is likely to linger on your thoughts long after the
heart-palpitating climax has passed. This is one deserter that you will be
reluctant to let out of your sight for too long as its striking imagery draws
you back in to revisit its bewitching grandeur time and time again.If you take the time to watch Je T'attendrai then it would be awesome if you could also take the time to let me know what you thought of it, either by commenting below or tweeting me @filmbantha. Thanks, and enjoy!
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