Topaze

Louis Jouvet is one of the greatest actors of all time. To think that TOPAZE was his film debut only underlines his quality. Physically and in his meticulous approach to acting he reminds me of Daniel Day-Lewis and his superb debut in ROOM WITH A VIEW (needless to say, Day-Lewis went on to become a three-time Best Actor Academy Award winner, the only actor thus far to have achieved that feat.)

His transformation from low income teacher with scrupulously honest principles to cold-hearted, sophisticated fraudster is gradual yet swift, hardworking yet subtle, and shrewd beyond all expectations, reflecting a capacity to survive in a dog eat dog world that the position of schoolteacher had failed to develop, but which he intelligently turned to his advantage.

TOPAZE plays out like a game of chess between those in positions of power who try to use Albert Topaze to their advantage and the fast learning apprentice who turns the tables on them.

The dialogue is sharp, the acting is superior (especially Jouvet and Feuillere), photography is competent enough, and direction by Louis Gasnier quite inspired, considering that in 1933 France had only just become acquainted with the production of sound films.

Thought-provoking satire on human greed. Must-see. 9/10