La Bandera

[Stone Me]

Came in a pack of 3 "French Cafe" films..
Never heard of that genre.
Spoiler:>
The film is a melodrama, and the plot wheels around
the murder which drives the hero to join the Spanish
Foreign Legion.
I listened hard for the reason of the murder, but not
were forthcoming.

On the positive side, there are atmospheric shots of
what could be pre-war Paris, or perhaps Marseilles.
I recognised the old buildings, with their tiny iron fenced
balconies, but in the film they are covered with drying
washing. Crowds fill the streets, and motor vehicles
seem rare.
There are other quick shots of what seems to be the real
Spanish Foreign Legion, drilling in barracks.
The film was made in 1935, so could these guys have
been the backbone of Franco's successful rebellion?
The plot takes many clunky turns, without justifying itself.
Perhaps a touch of the Nouvelle Vague, before it's time?
I found Gabin's co-star "Annabella" the best visual part.
Those eyes.

Stone Me

[steve]

On 26-Nov-2006, smacked up and reeling, "Stone Me"
<Railyway...@EastCheam.cpm> blindly formulated
the following incoherence:

This film falls in the Poetic Realism category, which is remarkably like
film noir in it's themes, shadowy look, and protagonist anti-heroes. The
opening scenes typifies that genre, IMO. We are disarmed by the romantic
and intoxicated couple jovially tripping down the street. Gabin's character
rushes along in earnest and stumbles into one of them. Seconds later they
realize he has stained them with blood. That sobering moment is imposed on
the frivolity, telling us rather succinctly that the world is many things.

I dont recall if we ever learn the details of the killing, but the important
aspect of that act is what it says about Gabins character. He's troubled
and never quite in control, yet entirely sympathetic. This is typical of
PR, i.e. a view of humanity that is sypathetic and, in it's way, life
affirming, yet without illusion. I think LB is a cool film, and worthy (and
badly in need) of restoration.

Have you seen "Port of Shadows"? A similar but superior film, IMO.

steve
--
"The accused will now make a bogus statement."
James Joyce