#327: MALLE, Louis: 3 Films By Louis Malle (1971-87)

3 FILMS BY LOUIS MALLE {Spine #327}

DVD

Few directors have portrayed the agonies and epiphanies of growing up as poetically — and controversially — as Louis Malle. Laced with autobiographical details, Murmur of the Heart; Lacombe, Lucien; and Au revoir les enfants tell stories of youth, set against the tumult of World War II and postwar France. Tragic, amusing, and poignant, these three films are more than just coming-of-age stories. They are the director's ongoing response to a world gone wrong.

Murmur Of The Heart (1971) {Spine #328}

Lacombe, Lucien (1974) {Spine #329}

Au Revoir Les Enfants (1987) {Spine #330}

The Supplements

The Booklet

Filmography.

Interviews

With actor Candice Bergen and biographer Pierre Billard.

Billard runs down Malle’s career, but unnecessarily informs us that years before Au revoir les enfants was made, Malle had said that he didn’t actually know the Jewish students. As Fellini said, “all filmmakers are born liars.” Leave them to their petty untruths if it produces such a work of art!

Bergen reflects on their marriage, and we see a scene where she had come to France to watch the shooting of the final scene. She is sobbing.

Excerpts

From a French TV program featuring the director on the sets of Murmur of the Heart and Lacombe, Lucien.

Audio interview

With Malle from 1974, 1988, and 1990.

All good audio info …

The Immigrant

Chaplin’s 1917 short comedy, featured in Au revoir les enfants.

And a brilliant idea to include as an extra. Of course, Malle was born after the silent era, but he surely appreciated the art of that era — and Chaplin’s genius, in particular …

Profile

Of the provocative character of Joseph, created by filmmaker Guy Magen, in 2005.

An important look at an important character.

By Director
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