A Man Escaped (1956)

 A Man Escaped (1956)

Robert Bresson’s A Man Escaped is about as minimalist as a film you can get…yet it is a complete triumph. Despite the lack of special effects or big-name actors, this prison break drama ranks up there with The Shawshank Redemption as one of the best films of its kind. The film’s story comes from the autobiography written by Andre Devigny, who was imprisoned by the Nazis at Montluc but escaped the day he was supposed to be executed. Despite minimal set design, no special effects, or showing acting, Bresson created a film that earns its gripping tension. By the end, my sweaty palms proved how tense I was. This is the type of filmmaker Bresson is. He tells his story as is. No craziness is necessary. Yet he somehow knows how to piece the film together to make it work, to make you involved with his characters or story. This movie is known as one of Bresson’s best works. It really makes me want to take a deep dive into his filmography.

Bresson strived for authenticity. He filmed at the same prison where Devigny was incarcerated, and even borrowed the actual rope that assisted in the escape. As to be expected, most of the film is set in one tiny cell. Bresson made that location work. Between the prisoner, the small cell, and an iron spoon, Bresson had the tools necessary to create some drama. The Nazis are the bad guys, as the opening credits mention more than 7,000 men were killed at this prison. Yet, you barely see them. Outside of some shadowy silhouettes and sound, you do not see the Nazis. Bresson makes it clear this is not about prison brutality from the Nazis, but rather the actual escape. It is about the main character trying to find trust in fellow prisoners.

Lieutenant Fontaine (Francois Leterrier) worked for the French Resistance and was captured by the Nazis. He was sent to a prison with other captives in Lyon circa 1943. He does not know his fate but believes he would eventually face execution based on firing squads the prisoners can hear. At his second cell, he discovers a possible escape route. Through patience, he maybe be able to escape. There will be great risks as Fontaine will need to choose wisely who to place his trust in.

Throughout his career, Besson would never go for the big-name actors. He did not want actors who would make scenes about themselves. He just wanted people who looked the part and could turn the role into an act of realism. Francois Leterrier was one of those guys. He looked ordinary and made you believe he was an actual prisoner. He did not give a flashy performance. He just delivered what he needed to. That worked for a film like this.

A Man Escaped is a masterful piece of filmmaking. Besson does not use any special effects or any splashy performance to tell his story. It is a simplistic, minimalist feature but by the end, you are floored. This is the way to effectively tell a story. No wonder why many directors have this film as a big influence on theirs. No crazy camera shots either. Just textbook camera angles Besson used to tell his story. If you want an effective prison break movie, this is a must see. No flashy action sequences or Nazi chases. No need for them. Just a simple story that has a purpose of telling an authentic story.

My Grade: A