Awakening Amidst Shadows

Read Time:3 Minute, 43 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Strangers in the House (Les Inconnus dans la Maison)
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Genre: Crime, Drama
Year Released: 1942
Runtime: 1h 35m
Director(s): Henri Decoin
Writer(s): Henri-Georges Clouzot, Georges Simenon (based on the novel by: "Les Inconnus dans la Maison")
Cast: Raimu, Juliette Faber, Jean Tissier, Jacques Baumer, Noël Roquevert, Héléna Manson, André Reybaz, Jacques Grétillat, Lucien Coëdel
Language: French with English subtitles
Where To Watch: available now from www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: If you’re curious about unraveling family dynamics under the scrutinizing lens of society, STRANGERS IN THE HOUSE is here to satiate that thirst. Meticulously crafted by the brilliant minds of Henri-Georges Clouzot and Henri Decoin, this cinematic experience deftly combines stirring emotions with drama while offering a magnifying glass to subtle societal judgments. Each frame evokes a sense of nostalgia, echoing the glamour and brilliance of Hollywood's golden age.

Step inside the echoing halls of an old mansion, a place resonating with memories. Here, Maître Hector Loursat, brought to life with an impeccable performance by Raimu, grapples with his demons. Alongside, Juliette Faber who delivers a captivating performance as Nicole Loursat, representing the younger generation's voice, intricately entangled in a world of emotions and complexities. But let’s be clear: it’s not just a drama between a father and daughter. It's a reflection – exploring the societal lenses that color our judgments.

A sudden crime throws a wrench in Loursat’s reclusive life, pushing him from the cozy observation corner into the limelight of societal challenges. It's captivating to see Decoin's directorial expertise shine through as he effortlessly captures Loursat's journey from introspection to action. Yet, while the film doesn’t miss a beat in its direction, one can't help but wish for more suspense to spice things up.

Digging deeper into the storyline, the film masterfully uses the central crime to pivot and unmask society’s hidden facets. As Loursat inches closer to the truth, the viewer gets a guided tour through this world's multi-layered fabric- its allure and its scars. His audacious stand in the courtroom is a beacon, highlighting the strength and resilience innate in us when pushed against the wall.

However, its ability to bridge the past with the present truly sets STRANGERS IN THE HOUSE apart. While rooted in its era, its themes resonate universally, encouraging viewers to reflect and comprehend their roles in this grand play called Life.

And while we’re dissecting the film's charms, it is a subtle nod to the pantheon of legendary directors. This fusion of classical storytelling with a fresh narrative approach ensures that the film isn’t just for the dedicated cinephiles but is a treat for everyone.

STRANGERS IN THE HOUSE isn't just another title to tick off your watchlist. It’s an experience, an odyssey into the intricate landscapes of human emotions, societal norms, and the undying pursuit of truth. The combined might of Clouzot's storytelling and Decoin's vision promises a lasting impact.

PRODUCT EXTRAS:
– 2K Restoration by Gaumont
– NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historians Howard S. Berger and Nathaniel Thompson
– In French with Optional Subtitles in English

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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