Le Jour se Leve

Le Jour se Leve, directed by Marcel Carné in 1939, is an emblematic film of the French Poetic Realism movement with its expressive cinematography, complex characters, and a poignant story. The film, translated in English as "Daybreak," encompasses love, passion, sorrow, and regret as it delves into the complex aspects of human life and interpersonal relationships. With an iconic foreground character, François, portrayed by legendary actor Jean Gabin, Le Jour se Leve has been established as a reflection of French society on the brink of World War II, highlighting the thematic elements of despair, fatalism, and hope in the midst of a turbulent socio-political milieu.

The film takes place in a working-class neighborhood and revolves around the life of François, a factory worker who is tangled in a complicated web of love and vengeance. The narrative presents a psychological drama through the prism of François's introspection, as he is trapped in his room, beleaguered by the police after committing a murder. However, the film doesn't center on the crime itself, but dives into the dynamics that led to this tragic outcome and how this circumscribes François's attitudes, emotions, and his perception of the world around him.

Jean Gabin's portrayal of François is heart-wrenching, as he navigates through the character's internal conflicts and existential dread. Jacqueline Laurent plays Francoise, a flower shop assistant and the love interest of François. Gabin and Laurent's on-screen chemistry contributes to the emotional depth of the film, layered with the enchanting romance and its inevitable tribulations.

Arletty, who portrays Clara, a seductive and deceitful performer, adds an element of conflict to the narrative. Her existence in François’s life, seen in flashbacks, provides insight into his current predicament. The nuanced performances by the primary cast enhance the emotional narrative, reflecting the complex human emotions that dictate relationships and decisions.

Le Jour se Leve is not just about the love triangle, murder, and the despair that encircles François's life. Much of the movie's intrigue comes from its exploration of memory through the use of flashbacks, creating a psychological labyrinth. What unfolds is a discourse on fate and life itself, untangling the entwined threads of love, desperation, anger, and unfulfilled dreams, presenting a reflection of societal disillusionment through the inner world of the protagonist.

Marcel Carné's direction brings out the emotional depth of Jacques Prévert’s screenplay, where conversations often act as reflective dialogues about life and humanity. Carné, with his profound understanding of visual storytelling, is able to capture the essence of the poetic realism through evocative mise-en-scenes and atmospheric shots of the streets of the French city. The film’s unique blend of atmospheric realism and poetic imagery sets it apart from the majority of films from this era.

Le Jour se Leve has a haunting yet profound poetic quality, with its storyline, its setting, and its characters all blending seamlessly to convey a nuanced portrayal of life. It presents a story that is infused with melancholy, with its characters often lost amidst the harsh realities of everyday life, yet offers a glimmer of hope amid the walls of despair.

The film’s art direction and set design by Alexandre Trauner contribute to its gloomy and intense atmosphere. The dim lighting, the claustrophobic set of François's room, the foggy streets, and the factory backdrop perfectly encapsulate the grim socio-economic conditions of the period. All these elements weave synergetically around the tragic human drama, adding depth to the narratives and characters.

Simultaneously, Maurice Jaubert's haunting score complements the tragedy of the film, helping establish the tone and mood. The music plays a crucial role in the film, emphasizing the intensity of the events and reflecting the inner turmoil of François.

Le Jour se Leve can be considered as a cinematic embodiment of the pre-war melancholia, portraying the helplessness, despair, and resilience of the common man through the complex character of François. It stands as a testament to French poetic realism, framing a somber portrait of life's vicissitudes in all of their raw bitterness, tinged with a faint and resilient hope. Over eight decades since its release, it continues to be hailed as a classic, epitomizing the artistic genius of Marcel Carné and the charismatic acting prowess of Jean Gabin.