Watch: A Man Escaped (1956)

Now you'll watch Robert Bresson's 1956 film A Man Escaped to consider the relay-based relationship between sound and image in the film.

VideoWatch: A Man Escaped (1956)  Links to an external site.(1 hr 44 min)

Still from A Man Escaped. From Criterion.  Links to an external site.

 

"Robert Bresson skillfully combined the simplest of concepts with the sparest of techniques to make one of the most suspenseful jailbreak films of all time in A MAN ESCAPED.

Based on the memoirs of Andre Devigny, a member of the French Resistance held in Montluc prison by the occupying Germans during World War II, this unbelievably taut and methodical marvel follows the fictional Fontaine's (Francois Leterrier) single-minded pursuit of freedom, detailing the planning and execution of his escape with gripping precision. But Bresson's film is not merely about process--it's also a work of intense spirituality and humanity." (Kanopy description)

 

ReviewWhile Watching/Listening.....

Here are a few questions to consider while watching the film, and remember that the film asks the audience to listen as well as read visual information: 

  • How is the image-sound relationship in this film similar to a relay?
  • How does the film ask us to listen to sound coming off-screen? How is off-screen space utilized?
  • Identify any creative moments where the use of sound design amplifies or clarifies the imagery on-screen.
  • How is meaning expressed through voice-over in a way that amplifies the film’s message to the viewer?
  • Pay attention to the film’s editing. How is the specific arrangement of shots used to heighten tension or communicate meaning?

You can view the film at this above link or here: https://ucf.kanopy.com/video/man-escaped Links to an external site.

Continue on to complete your discussion for the week. 

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