David O'ConnellTHE ARMY OF CRIME @ The French Film Festival
March 4th 2010 11:30
Another worthy addition to the list of true stories emerging from WW2, Robert Guediguian’s latest, The Army of Crime, relates the ardent endeavours of an assortment of men and women from a diversity of backgrounds merging as part of the French Resistance. The glue that holds the narrative together is its remarkable authenticity; there’s no attempt to exaggerate or even stylise this staunch fightback against German occupation. From the various strands of its introductory first act, the more intimate stories of the main players begin to coalesce. It takes a while for Guediguian’s silent heroes to emerge but at a certain point the film becomes reasonably compelling, not only for its glimpse into history but for its depiction of the 'dark night of the soul' that good men must endure to preserve their ideals of humanity and equality.
Exiled Armenian poet Missak Manouchian (Simon Akbarian) takes on a central leadership role, meticulously organising a wave of attacks that gradually increases in intensity and ambition. His wife Melinee (Virginie Ledoyen) aids the organisation’s subterfuge at every step, but there are others with like-minded notions of revolution swirling in their heads – and all with an abiding concern for the direction of their adopted homeland. Marcel (Robinson Stevenin), a Polish Jew, and Thomas (Gregoire Leprince-Ringuet), a Hungarian Jew, become especially important figures. From modest beginnings their efforts begin to shape the increasingly frustrated attempts by the authorities to isolate and quash them.
I admit to struggling through the early stages of The Army of Crime. There are a stack of characters introduced, requiring patience and full concentration to keep track of them all. But ultimately I found myself both deeply troubled and moved by it, especially the story of Missak and his wife. There’s no glossy sheen in Guediguian’s design to qualify this couple’s love for one another; it’s represented by simple gestures, and never feels overdone.
The film also avoids resorting to melodrama or lazy sentimentalism to accentuate the horror taking place against the backdrop of the Resistance and its gradual evolvement from out of the shadows; these men believed resolutely in fighting for their cause and it could even be argued that Guediguian recreates the whole era a little too matter-of-factly. It’s a hard line to stand astride without tipping over one way or the other but I think the aesthetic choices give the film real credibility in the end. The effect of Alexander Desplat’s evocative, respectful score is keenly felt too and it’s very well spotted, never overcrowding scenes best left alone.
There’s a commendable moral ambiguity about the film too; there’s no sharp delineation of right and wrong which ensures it becomes a complex, fascinating clash of ideologies and moral certitude. Akbarian is the real trump card here, revealing himself as a commanding presence; there’s conviction in every word he speaks. The secondary figures are just as good however, adding immeasurably to our immersion in this dark chapter of history.
Simon Akbarian (centre) as Missak Manouchian
Watch the trailer here.
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Comment by Paul Martin
Yes, Akbarian is very good in it, and I thought Ledoyen nicely rounded off his character. I agree that the characters are ambiguous, an element I also enjoyed for the lack of embellishment. For example, is Marcel Rayman a passionate freedom fighter, or a psychopath? He had no qualms shooting the Germans.
Comment by Paul Martin
Really Long Link
Comment by David O'Connell
Screen Fanatic
I've never really noticed Akbarian before but I'm keen to see some of his other work now, he was really impressive.
What would you recommend of Guediguian's other films? The Town is Quiet seems to get mentioned a lot.
I think I might even have Marie-Jo and her 2 Lovers on tape somewhere, I'll have to try and hunt it down!
Comment by Paul Martin
After that, you could take your pick, I suppose. I liked Marie-Jo and Her Two Lovers and Marius and Jeannette.