Is Paris Burning?

Is Paris Burning? is an epic war film from the mid 1960s, co-directed by the renowned Rene Clement and the screenwriting team of Francis Ford Coppola and Gore Vidal. The movie boasts a cast of iconic French actors including Jean-Paul Belmondo, Charles Boyer and Leslie Caron, among others. The film blends the historical accuracy of a documentary with the dramatic intensity of a war movie, drawing from the book "Is Paris Burning?" by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre.

The movie's title, Is Paris Burning?, is a direct reference to the rumored question Adolf Hitler asked his troops as Allied forces approached the French capital during World War II. He was seemingly ready to reduce the city to rubble rather than surrender it. The question underscores the tension at the heart of the 2-hour and 50-minute epic, a suspense that clings to each scene.

The movie begins with the backdrop of iconic Paris, a city known for its history, culture, and beauty, but under the grim occupation of Nazi forces. Alternating between scenes in Paris and the advancing Allied front, the directors skillfully capture the impending sense of doom the city and its inhabitants face.

Is Paris Burning? tells stories of bravery and determination from myriad perspectives. It depicts the struggle of the French Resistance fighters, who refuse to let their city fall without a fight, working covertly to interfere with German operations. It highlights ordinary Parisians, their hopes and fears, their will to survive and their displays of courage amidst the turmoil. Jean-Paul Belmondo brilliantly portrays one such French Resistance fighter, Pierre Nord, who is committed to the cause of liberating Paris.

Charles Boyer shines as Doctor Monod, a character who attempts to reconcile his profession as a surgeon with the grim reality of war. His riveting performance as a conscientious objector turned reluctant activist provides an incredibly human touch to the harsh war drama, introducing a much-needed element of hope. Legendary actress Leslie Caron graces the screen as Françoise Labe, a courageous woman in the Resistance who faces danger with admirable resilience while fighting for her city's survival.

The broader political and military context isn't neglected either. Is Paris Burning? features a galaxy of historical figures, such as General Eisenhower (played by Henry Fonda), General Leclerc (Alain Delon), and Adolf Hitler (Oskar Werner). These characters add complexity to the plot and provide audiences with a broader vision of the strategic chess game at play behind the scenes during this crucial period in history.

Visually, the film is a clear standout. The directors, being native to France, portray Paris with a meticulous and devoted touch. The cinematography, in sharp black and white, enhances the period feel of the film and intensifies the city's haunting beauty amidst the chaos of war. The detailed reconstructions of the real-life landmarks and streets transport the viewers to the conflicted city, underlining the filmmakers' commitment to authenticity.

And finally, the suspense at the heart of Is Paris Burning? is heightened by Maurice Jarre’s striking musical score. The music, both haunting and heroic, serves to amplify the tension, fear, hope, and courage of a city and its people on the verge of liberation.

In sum, Is Paris Burning? is surely more than just a war film. It's a sprawling epic that combines factual history with personal narratives of courage, resilience, and patriotism. The movie explores the tantalizing question at its heart: Would one of world's most beautiful and significant cities be left standing or be reduced to ruins? The film takes the audience on an emotional journey through one of the most tumultuous periods in Paris's history, providing both a thrilling viewing experience and a poignant reminder of humanity's resilience in the face of destruction.