I was not aware of the Gorki's job and I was interesting of one of Jean Renoir's work as he is one of the best French director of all time. My global feeling was good but mixed with some aspects.
First the reflexion about low class condition is good on many ways but was losing his force at the end. I think the optimistic way that it ended (Pepel going with Natasha) was an attempt to give a romantic aspect and was deviated from his social purpose. I expected a more dramatic final more realistic.
Let's talk about the Baron who seems to be a central character at the beginning. In the second half, he becomes a secondary one. The first part of the movie let suggest an ambiguous relation with the main character Pepel. Nothing like this in the second part. I am wondering why there is so much emphasize in their relation at the beginning (Many fascination between each other). The rhythm is sometime unequal especially around 2/3 of the movie. There are some satisfactions: Jean Gabin has got a natural presence in front of the camera and we always enjoy seeing him. Despite of some defaults, reflexions and painting of the lower dephts are very real and authentic.
Jean Renoir was following his instincts and his interests for socialism more than looking for something entertaining. There are bad aspects but I have enjoyed watching this one. Let see Kurosawa with his adaptation. Marduk
First the reflexion about low class condition is good on many ways but was losing his force at the end. I think the optimistic way that it ended (Pepel going with Natasha) was an attempt to give a romantic aspect and was deviated from his social purpose. I expected a more dramatic final more realistic.
Let's talk about the Baron who seems to be a central character at the beginning. In the second half, he becomes a secondary one. The first part of the movie let suggest an ambiguous relation with the main character Pepel. Nothing like this in the second part. I am wondering why there is so much emphasize in their relation at the beginning (Many fascination between each other). The rhythm is sometime unequal especially around 2/3 of the movie. There are some satisfactions: Jean Gabin has got a natural presence in front of the camera and we always enjoy seeing him. Despite of some defaults, reflexions and painting of the lower dephts are very real and authentic.
Jean Renoir was following his instincts and his interests for socialism more than looking for something entertaining. There are bad aspects but I have enjoyed watching this one. Let see Kurosawa with his adaptation. Marduk