La Bete Humaine (DVD)

La Bete Humaine stars Jean Gabin, possibly one of the most enduring French cinema icons, and is directed by Jean Renoir, one of France's most enduring directors, and is an adaptation of a novel by Emile Zola, one of France's greatest writers. Quite an intimidating line-up... To give you an idea of the film's tone, during the Nazi Occupation of France, the Vichy regime made a propganda claim that France's defeat had come about almost entirely as a result of the depressing and demoralising atmosphere presented by Renoir. That's quite a feat, really. The story centres on a vaguely psychotic train driver (Gabin) who stumbles beyond the law when he ...  Read the complete review

Train driver Jacques Lantier is dedicated to his job and loves his engine so much that he has given it the name Lison. He initially appears to be a man lucky enough to be happy in his life and work, but we soon discover that this is far from the case. Deputy stationmaster Roubaud and his wife Séverine also seem at first to be a contented couple, but problems lie just round the corner. Before too long, Lantier and Séverine encounter each other. How strong will their mutual attraction be, and where will it lead them? Based on the novel by Emile Zola, La Bête Humaine is widely considered to be one of Jean Renoir's greatest films. Atmosphere is created by dramatic ...  Read the complete review