Can Beauty tame the Beast? (La Bete Humaine (DVD))

Member Name: frangliz

Product:	La Bete Humaine (DVD)
Date:	03/07/09 (77 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Excellent direction and acting

Disadvantages: Black and white; French with subtitles

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 lighting, scenes in torrential rain, characters dwarfed by powerful monsters of steam engines, and the occasional shots of people's feet that allow us to imagine the looks on their faces. It is a dark film, yet interwoven with the main plot we see the camaraderie of the railway workers and scenes of French life such as a charity ball. The balance is an excellent one.

Jacques Lantier (Jean Gabin) is a troubled soul who blames his problems on his father and grandfather who were slaves to alcohol. Gabin's is a stellar performance. Convincing from the start as a man who has immersed himself in his job and his obsession with his steam engine, his troubles unfold gradually. He appears philosophical and reflective in general about his uncontrollable violent streak, and also shows considerable tenderness and love towards Séverine.

Simone Simon is perfect for the part of Séverine Roubaud. First impressions are of a frivolous, superficial little minx as she cuddles a fluffy white kitten and makes sweet talk to her husband. As the film progresses, her character takes on considerable depth. We learn that she suffered abuse as a child (no details are given) and now yearns for a companion she can confide in rather than a lover. Simon portrays her moments of passion and distress admirably.

Séverine's husband Roubaud, the deputy stationmaster, is played by Fernand Ledoux. It is hard to imagine how such an unattractive man came to be married to such a coquettish woman who could have had almost any man she wanted. Ledoux's performance is certainly a skilful one as he goes from a loving husband to a fiercely jealous one and finishes as a pitiful, desperate man.

The soundtrack reflects the drama of the film throughout; it obviously suits the tone of the film, but I can't imagine anyone enjoying listening to such music on its own.

There is little I can find to criticise in this film, although it didn't quite make sense to me that Roubaud was intensely jealous of his wife's liaisons with other men yet trusted her with Lantier. As for Lantier himself, during the build-up there is only one scene in which he displays his violent streak and one may begin to wonder why he is seen as a 'human beast'. Other than these two weaknesses, however, there is a great deal to admire in La Bête Humaine in terms of both direction and acting.

The film was released in 1938 and has a running time of 96 minutes. The DVD has a PG Certificate, but the film is unlikely to appeal to children. There are several violent episodes, although they are not particularly graphic by today's standards.

There were no extras on the DVD other than a trailer for the film.

I appreciate that many people will be put off by the fact that La Bête Humaine is over seventy years old, in black and white, and in French with subtitles. I would, however, encourage anyone interested in the history of cinema, and French cinema in particular of course, to watch it. It is a masterpiece that I would definitely give a second viewing.

La Bête Humaine is normally priced £17.99, but is available on Amazon for £6.58 at the time of writing.

Also on Ciao under my username denella.

Summary: A masterpiece from Jean Renoir