Wow this was special. PICKPOCKET didn’t do much for me so I was curious as to why Bresson was so revered — this film is why. It is one of the best directed and best sound designed films I’ve ever seen (or heard). It is a master class on how to force people to pay attention to the tiniest of details. Every choice is so deliberate and it forces you to hang on every sound. The way time is edited also happens seamlessly. The film is so short yet we really feel the time that has elapsed in each of Fontaine’s steps to escape. The rope that is constructed is such a great prop and has a personality in and of itself. François Leterrier is so freaking good in this, especially for a non-actor at the time. His face gives you everything you need. Charles Le Clainche is also perfect for Jost. He has such a babyface that you can’t help but see the innocence and naiveté. The entire plot point where Fontaine debates bringing him along or killing him out of logic and necessity is so smart and human. All of this on top of Fontaine’s other choices, patience, and his overall resolve makes him one of the best characters I have ever seen in a film. This is a better example of a long term prison break than THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, a more masterful art of silence than RAFIFI and a more engaging dive in on moments happening in real time than JEANNE DIELMAN.
