The Damned

The Damned is a 1947 French war drama film that is a haunting portrayal of a group of people’s desperate bid for survival amidst escalating turmoil, directed by René Clement, who is known for his unique narration style. The remarkable cast ensemble of this gripping narrative includes Marcel Dalio, Henri Vidal, and Florence Marly, who all breathe life into their respective characters, making them as real as possible.

At the dawn of World War II, we plunge directly into the action, a French trawler encounters a German U-Boat, which exemplifies mounting tensions in Europe and sets the stage for the rest of the film. From this opening strike, the movie launches into the heart of its story – a Nazi submarine packed with fleeing war criminals, heading for South America.

Henri Vidal, who plays the role of heroic doctor Guilbert, is an involuntary member of the motley crew of nefarious characters and enters the narrative when his ship is brutally attacked, and he is picked up by the submarine. This sea voyage is the heart of the film - an arduous trek marked by suspense, adventure, and profound human emotions.

Marcel Dalio, portraying the character of Larga, a shrewd and manipulative leader wielding tremendous power among war criminals on board the submarine. He navigates the constraints and pressures of the journey with a veneer of urbane charm, while his ruthless nature lurks just beneath the surface.

Then there's Florence Marly, the lone woman on the vessel, who plays Hilde, covertly embroiled in a love affair with a fellow Nazi, whose life is drastically altered as she grapples with her circumstances and feelings amidst the claustrophobic reality of the submersible.

One of the standout facets of The Damned lies in its apt depiction of the inner workings of a submarine. The film doesn't shy away from shedding light on every aspect of submarine life; be it the grueling daily routine or the high-tension conflict moments, giving the audience a palpable sense of the cramped and suffocating environment.

The Damned is as much about human psychology as it is about the war. It documents how the minds of the characters subtly evolve under the influence of fear, manipulation and the unexpected peaks of human nature under duress. This psychological aspect is painted by Clement with a masterful touch, ensuring that the characters don't become mere war tropes but stand out as individual entities with their personal hopes, dilemmas, and demons.

Its emphasis on the unnerving drama unfolding within the submarine itself, rather than the usual battle lines of the World War II genre, gives The Damned a stand-out place in war cinema. The submarine becomes a microcosm of the world at large, teeming with conflict, power-play, human tendencies, and the inescapable fact of impending doom. All these elements work in concert to ratchet up the underlying tension throughout the film.

Laden with atmospheric tension, The Damned is heightened with the exquisite cinematography of Henri Alekan, transforming the confined spaces of a submarine into a cinematic tableau. The film's suspense is further underpinned by an outstanding musical score by Hanns Eisler, which serves as a perfect counterpoint to the ever-increasing tension and impending sense of doom.

Despite being rooted in its times, the themes that The Damned tackles are timelessly relevant - power, survival, fear, and the human capacity for both good and evil. The sharp screenplay, enthralling performances, and compelling direction make it an unforgettable journey through the myriad facets of human psychology against the backdrop of war. This film is undoubtedly a must-watch for anyone seeking to experience cinematic storytelling at its most profound.

The Damned, despite dealing with the grit and turmoil of war, is essentially a study of human nature and the depths to which people can fall while still hoping to rise. This blend of survival, tension, suspense, and personal humanity results in a riveting movie, cementing René Clement's position as a visionary filmmaker. The timeless relevance of The Damned remains almost palpable, accurate in its expositions of desperation, hope, and the darker shades of human nature. This view into the twisted labyrinth of human morality makes The Damned more than just a war movie - it's a human story that is enduringly compelling.