A Man Escaped (1956)
Why simple is cinematic.
Presentation:
This is one of my favorite classic films of all time for its sheer simplicity executed to perfection. Where classic cinema shines for me is when it focuses on story and dramatic tension, which is ambivalent to technological innovation. Without fast edits or fancy camera work, I found this to be one of the most thrilling prison break movies of all time. This is accomplished by how arduous and clear every detail of the escape is explained so that even we could replicate it. The way it’s narrated feels natural, spontaneous and further emphasizes the realtime events.
Conclusion:
I don’t often find myself absorbed in classic cinema due to its language and pacing, but this film is what I consider to be truly timeless. This is what I think cinema is at its core, capturing details with realism and getting lost in its characters. Simplicity is divinity, and Bresson proves why minimalism is cinematic.
Recommendations
Reversing time doesn’t heal all wounds.