propos-86965

I've never seen a tragedy quite like this one. Fine cast. Thoughtful script. They get what they want, but no one wins.

In the mode of Asphalt Jungle and High Sierra. A ruthless killer, a compromised doctor, and an orphan girl who lives for an illusionary dream in a society that doesn't deserve their good or bad sides.

Robert Hossin directed and started in over 25 films. He had a distinctive "Noir" style. Always exquisitely photographed with a haunting original score. His persona, unlike Tritingant's cerebral quietness, is that of a lost soul searching for love only to be interrupted by violent inner demons. The Vampire of Deseldorf is no exception. The vampire here is a blue beard character who is disarmingly charming. Hossein, with little dialogue, captured the character with his eyes revealing a conflicted interior life.

Other Hossien motifs include wide-angle shots with large well-choreographed crowd scenes, long narrow streets shot at night, and a labyrinth this time made of brush.

Marie-France Pisier, in an early ingenue role, co-stars as a Marlene Dietrich-type cabaret singer. Her scenes include a lovely ballad. The film also includes a fine cast of supporting actors, another Hossein specialty.

The French actor Charles Denner stars in this lost gem of a film. Made in Montreal and released in 1966. A quiet film that deals with relationships rather than action. The humor is gently and subtle. It reminds me of Agnès Varda's directing. But the seriousness of the under-theme is not on full display due to the director's use of humor. The main themes are loss, longing and caring. Not a brief fling movie as in the synopsis. The sixties music is used well though showing it's age. The film deals with two happenstance meetings one with a beautiful woman and one with a little girl. Something I don't think you could handle in the same fashion anymore.