Le Combat dans I’ile by Alain Cavalier, an often neglected treasure from the French New Wave has all the ingredients of a political thriller. The plot comes with conspiracy, suspense, betrayal amidst a romantic love triangle in the political divided France of the times. It centers around two childhood friends Clément (Jean-Louis Trintignant), and Paul (Henri Serre) and Anne (Romy Schneider) who is Clément’s beautiful wife. The political spectrum from left to right is represented in the film. Clément is the son of a rich industrialist who gets involved in a right-wing group. He is being trained to commit an assassination by their “diabolical” leader. From the beginning we see his violent side, which he often takes it out on Anne, an ex-actress who puts up with his jealousy and assaults. There is his childhood friend Paul, a pacifist and printer who lives in his idyllic home.
The web of intrigue emerges when Clément carries the execution, and finds out he was deceived. He and Anne flee Paris to seek refuge in Paul’s house. He finds his face on the paper. Paul kicks him out, Clément knows he was stabbed in the back and sets on a journey to find the double-crosser. Anne begs him to stay, but he leaves in search of revenge. Upon his return he finds out his wife is back in the theater and is in love with Paul. There is tension throughout the movie, and it explodes in a climatic, showdown between the two friends.
◊
Leticia is a teacher, writer, loves film. She was born in Mexico, grew up in Chicago and has travelled the art world. She presently teaches Latin American Literature at St. Augustine College.
♦
Le Combat dans I’ile
(1962, Alain Cavalier, France, 104 min.)
This film plays on January 15. Please note that the scheduled personal appearance of cinematographer Pierre Lhomme has been canceled. Newcity film critic Ray Pride will lead the audience in a discussion following the screening.http://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/