Le Corbeau

"Le Corbeau" is French for the Raven. This film was shot and produced in France by French filmmaker Henri-Geroges Clouzot in 1943 during a period of German occupation. Clouzot was censored and banned for several years due to the film's pro-French, anti-imperialist content. The film is possessed of outstanding storytelling and execution, and has a haunting feel about it. Surprisingly racy subject matter, "Le Corbeau" will keep you rapt throughout its 90 minute running time.


Written 10/18/07

Heaven Can Wait

There is classic wit on display here, and a charming cynicism. Some of the characters are world-weary in a way that I don't usually associate with films from the early 1940's. A unique character portrait, indeed. Our hero is hardly lovable. He emanates a strange vulnerability and stubborness that is too common among male chauvinists. The reason I can't recommend this movie more highly is because of the tender portrait of "the devil". He is presented, in nicely furnished "hell" as a tender counselor - not a characterization I care to buy into. Nonetheless, Criterion's restored print of the film is lovely to look at, and there are some excellent extra features on the disc - particularly the portrait of screenwriter Samsom Raphaelson - that are worth the time.


Written 10/18/07