"Lacombe,Lucien" is the story of Lucien--a young Frenchman--during the occupation of France by Nazi Germany. This is a very unglamorous story. Although it occurs during WWII, there are no dramatic battle scenes, no tales of spies or political intrigue.
Lucien aligns himself with the Germans, not because of his political persuasions, but because they allowed him to join their ranks. He is a relatively unemotional person. His approach to life seems to be purely pragmatic. Until he finds himself attracted to a young Jewish woman named France.
Bt this is not a love story. There is little passion involved. Lucien's life seems to be about trading commodities, including favors and threats. France is a weary country, occupied and insulted. The Jews who live in the small town where France and her family live try to become invisible while they eke out a meager existence.
"Lacombe, Lucien" is not a true story, but is based upon the wartime experiences of its director, Louis Malle. It might be said to sympathize with those who gravitated toward the Vichy side of things, but only because it does not condemn them. Clearly, every Frenchman was a victim. The quotidian approach of this film allows the viewer to consider a moment in French history without hyperbole.
Lucien aligns himself with the Germans, not because of his political persuasions, but because they allowed him to join their ranks. He is a relatively unemotional person. His approach to life seems to be purely pragmatic. Until he finds himself attracted to a young Jewish woman named France.
Bt this is not a love story. There is little passion involved. Lucien's life seems to be about trading commodities, including favors and threats. France is a weary country, occupied and insulted. The Jews who live in the small town where France and her family live try to become invisible while they eke out a meager existence.
"Lacombe, Lucien" is not a true story, but is based upon the wartime experiences of its director, Louis Malle. It might be said to sympathize with those who gravitated toward the Vichy side of things, but only because it does not condemn them. Clearly, every Frenchman was a victim. The quotidian approach of this film allows the viewer to consider a moment in French history without hyperbole.