Enough gushing already.
The film tells the story of a dissatisfied husband who has married solely for money, not for love, and thus embarks on a passion filled escapade with the babysitter. Ferdinand uninspired by his existence, but Marianne promises (with her bewitching walk and `come-hither' eyes) a life free from regret. He sees a future that encompasses everything his current state is lacking, and so he runs off with her, setting their sights on Paris (who wouldn't?). Things get sticky along the way, and the two find themselves engaged in acts of random violence they never imagined was their destiny. Their adventure turns dangerous and soon they are left with nothing left to do but jump right into the fire.
The very thought of this movie makes me want to drop to my hands and knees and perform an act of worship.
I have and always will be an advocate for French cinema, especially the 60's new wave campaigned by the likes of Francois Truffaut and my personal favorite film director (of all time) Jean-Luc Godard. `Pierrot le Fou' capitalizes on everything I find so enthralling about French new wave. There is the obvious weighty themes but they are presented in an enchantingly jovial tone that keeps the audience entertained, even in the throes of crisis. The colorful sets only serve as slick compliments to the films grounded performances (Jean-Paul Belmondo and Anna Karina were never better) and the films sharp editing helps embellish the complexities of the films plot.
In the end, `Pierrot le Fou' is about our personal convictions and the need, as people, to be invested in our own destiny.
While one can easily point to the films sporadic delivery and ascertain that it is merely an `art' film, one would be wrong in simply dismissing it for its entertainment value alone. The film, for me, captures elements from all sides of the cinematic spectrum. The film is deeply unsettling when you start to take its elements seriously (especially the eventualities contained in the films conclusion), which adds a completely different layer to the films tone. The film is undeniably entertaining, which is not something many `art' films can attest to being. Most people label `art' films as boring and needlessly complex (I'm not talking about myself here) but this film, which is most certainly an `art' film, is far from either. There is a rich poignancy here that transcends the films release date, and there is an enigmatic atmosphere that only helps elevate the films importance.
It is fresh, it is exciting, it is dangerous, it is meaningful, and it is loud, abrasive and epic in every sense of the word. It is cinema; cut, paste and send.
Blu-Ray Specific Review - Z. Burke -
So, the movie itself is beyond words, something to be experienced.
Whether or not that experience is worthy anything to you will vary by person, but I for one, enjoyed it immensely.
It escapes description.
As far as the quality of the Blu-Ray, it was superb. I was amazed by how clean and clear a picture (as well as audio) the movie had,
both because of its age and the technology associated with films of that period. Criterion has done a masterful job with this edition,
and I couldn't have been more pleased with its presentation. Of course, the beautiful cinematography helps out, too.
Give it a shot, it defied everything I thought it would be. I don't think I'll ever see anything else like it.
Criterion Collection is the BEST! - Christopher Barrett - Portland, Oregon
The other transfers of this film are pretty average quality, but the Criterion collection transfer is fantastic. The most notable difference is the subtitles have been improved and translated properly. Of course this means the profanity is more accurate too, though I am not offended!
A great movie received a wonderful transfer with the Criterion Collection. Bravo!
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