A tragic page in the history of France is examined in this disturbing account about the rise of a young man who went to the enemy's side after being rejected to join the resistance movement. Lucien, a peasant youth with no future, is stuck as a janitor in a old folks home, which he clearly hates. At home, Lucien has to put up with the indignity of seeing his own mother who is having an affair with the landlord of the farm where they live, while the father is held prisoner by the Germans.
All along, one can witness a mean streak in Lucien. We watch him pull his sling shot to kill a small bird senselessly. He is an avid hunter, as witnessed when he goes after rabbits, something that in the war torn country comes in handy. We also see him beheading a chicken at the farm. The only way to go, in his mind is by joining the traitors that are collaborating with the invading Germans.
Jean-Bernard, one of the French collaborators, decides to show Lucien the ropes of his new chosen career. It is Jean-Bernard who is in Lucien's eyes a role model, who introduces him to a life style he was not used to. Taking Lucien to get a new suit, the young man meets Horn, a Parisian tailor, who happens to be a Jew. Horn is hoping Jean-Bernard will be able to smuggle with his older mother and his daughter France into neighboring Spain.
Lucien becomes obsessed with France Horn, a beautiful young woman, who happens to be an accomplished pianist. Realizing he can bully Horn in doing whatever he wants, Lucien moves into their apartment, beginning an affair with France, who is repulsed as well as in awe of the power Luien exerts over herself and the family. Lucien commits the ultimate sin by turning Horn over the Germans and to a sure death, but has second thoughts when a German soldier comes for France and her grandmother.
Louis Malle film, seen for a second time, still holds one's interest. The story is one of many accounts in how French citizens turned against the less fortunate French Jewish population. It is also a tale about the cruelty of a young man that enters a world where otherwise he would have never been admitted had it not been because his determination to impress his newly found friends. Lucien relished in watching the school teacher being tortured by his allies. Mr. Malle examined the life of a young man without real convictions, political, or otherwise, who became a monster that stopped at nothing to get what he wanted.
The director's coup was casting a non professional, Pierre Blaise, for the pivotal role of Lucien Lacombe. Unfortunately, the young man with a future in front of him, died tragically in an automobile accident. Aurore Clement shows a luminous quality in her way for bringing her tragic character France Horn to life. Ms. Clement was at the height of her beauty, something that comes across in her work in the film. Swedish actor Holger Lowenadler plays Albert Horn with dignity. The actor was perfect as the Jewish tailor. Therese Giehse, a German actress is seen as the older Bella Horn. The supporting cast does excellent work for Mr. Malle.
"Lacombe, Lucien" is one of Louis Malle's best films among his distinguished career in the cinema.
All along, one can witness a mean streak in Lucien. We watch him pull his sling shot to kill a small bird senselessly. He is an avid hunter, as witnessed when he goes after rabbits, something that in the war torn country comes in handy. We also see him beheading a chicken at the farm. The only way to go, in his mind is by joining the traitors that are collaborating with the invading Germans.
Jean-Bernard, one of the French collaborators, decides to show Lucien the ropes of his new chosen career. It is Jean-Bernard who is in Lucien's eyes a role model, who introduces him to a life style he was not used to. Taking Lucien to get a new suit, the young man meets Horn, a Parisian tailor, who happens to be a Jew. Horn is hoping Jean-Bernard will be able to smuggle with his older mother and his daughter France into neighboring Spain.
Lucien becomes obsessed with France Horn, a beautiful young woman, who happens to be an accomplished pianist. Realizing he can bully Horn in doing whatever he wants, Lucien moves into their apartment, beginning an affair with France, who is repulsed as well as in awe of the power Luien exerts over herself and the family. Lucien commits the ultimate sin by turning Horn over the Germans and to a sure death, but has second thoughts when a German soldier comes for France and her grandmother.
Louis Malle film, seen for a second time, still holds one's interest. The story is one of many accounts in how French citizens turned against the less fortunate French Jewish population. It is also a tale about the cruelty of a young man that enters a world where otherwise he would have never been admitted had it not been because his determination to impress his newly found friends. Lucien relished in watching the school teacher being tortured by his allies. Mr. Malle examined the life of a young man without real convictions, political, or otherwise, who became a monster that stopped at nothing to get what he wanted.
The director's coup was casting a non professional, Pierre Blaise, for the pivotal role of Lucien Lacombe. Unfortunately, the young man with a future in front of him, died tragically in an automobile accident. Aurore Clement shows a luminous quality in her way for bringing her tragic character France Horn to life. Ms. Clement was at the height of her beauty, something that comes across in her work in the film. Swedish actor Holger Lowenadler plays Albert Horn with dignity. The actor was perfect as the Jewish tailor. Therese Giehse, a German actress is seen as the older Bella Horn. The supporting cast does excellent work for Mr. Malle.
"Lacombe, Lucien" is one of Louis Malle's best films among his distinguished career in the cinema.