A Tale of Personal and Political Turmoil

Read Time:3 Minute, 57 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Le Combat Dans L'ile
–

Genre: Drama, Thriller
Year Released: 1962, 2023 Radiance Films
Runtime: 1h 45m
Director(s): Alain Cavalier
Writer(s): Alain Cavalier, Jean-Paul Rappeneau
Cast: Jean-Louis Trintignant, Romy Schneider, Henri Serre, Diane Lepvrier, Jacques Berlioz, Maurice Garrel, Robert Bousquet, Armand Meffre, Jean-Pierre Melville
Where To Watch: available November 28, 2023; pre-order here www.radiancefilms.co.uk, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: It's rare to encounter a piece of cinema that genuinely reshapes an actor's career trajectory. LE COMBAT DANS L'ILE does just that for Romy Schneider, marking a definitive turn from her German roots to the French cinematic landscape. Alain Cavalier's 1961 film is a carefully crafted narrative that weaves together the intricate threads of personal and political drama, striking a harmonious balance between the two.

LE COMBAT DANS L'ILE immerses you in the lives of Clément and Anne, brilliantly played by Jean-Louis Trintignant and Schneider. The plot is a maze of unexpected twists, leading Clément from ordinary life to the brink of political radicalism and putting his relationship with Anne on a collision course with danger.

Schneider, as Anne, delivers a performance that is nothing short of stunning. She navigates the complexities of her character with grace and depth, a testament to her acting prowess. The film's choice of black-and-white cinematography does more than set the visual tone; it amplifies the emotional weight of each scene, painting a vivid canvas of love, tension, and conflict.

Against France's turbulent 60s backdrop, LE COMBAT DANS L'ILE delves into the era's ideological conflicts. Clément's alignment with right-wing extremism and Anne's entanglement in this web illustrate the personal costs of political strife. The film's historical context, especially the activities of The Organisation armée secrète (OAS, "Secret Armed Organisation"), adds depth to the story, making it more than just a personal drama.

Despite its compelling narrative and standout performances, LE COMBAT DANS L'ILE didn't receive the widespread acclaim it deserved, likely overshadowed by its challenging themes for the time. Yet, its impact on French cinema and Schneider's career is indisputable. The film's dialogue, visual storytelling, and editing style pay homage to the French New Wave, echoing the influences of directors like Louis Malle and Jean-Luc Godard.

LE COMBAT DANS L'ILE is crucial in Schneider's evolution from a German to an international cinema icon. It set the stage for her future roles under the direction of legends like Orson Welles and Otto Preminger. This film is a hidden gem in the rich tapestry of French cinema, deserving of greater recognition for its bold storytelling and mesmerizing performances. Radiance Films is genuinely serving the film community by bringing this film back into the limelight (when it may be more vital than ever to tell stories like this.)

Bonus Materials
2K Restoration from the original camera negative
Original uncompressed French mono PCM audio
Interview with Alain Cavalier from the French television show Cinema Page (1962, 5 mins)
Faire la mort: A commentary featurette by Cavalier on photos from the Cinémathèque française (2011, 5 mins)
Interview with star Jean-Louis Trintignant from the Belgian television show Cinescope (1983, 7 mins)
The Succulence of Fruit: An interview with French critic Philippe Roger, who provides an analysis of the film and Cavalier’s work (2020, 37 mins)
Un américain – Cavalier’s first short film about a sculptor who comes to Paris (1958, 17 mins)
France 1961 – a short film made by Cavalier on the occasion of Zeitgeist’s DVD release of the film (2010, 13 mins)
Behind-the-scenes photos, including images from the archive of Louis Malle
Trailer
Optional English subtitles
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork
Limited edition booklet featuring new writing on the film by critic Ben Sachs and scholar and author of Late-Colonial French Cinema Mani Sharpe
Limited edition of 3000 copies, presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with removable OBI strip, leaving packaging free of logos and markings

For more reviews, please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestmr.

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of RADIANCE FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]