Le grand Meaulnes

Too easy to critic it. In essence, only a sketch. And a hommage in its last scenes. Result of noble, good intentions. With a predictable mediocre solution. Because, I though, Le Grand Meaulnes is one of novels who escapes from reasonable adaptations. In this case, the basic sin is the absence of magic aura. The too easy solutions. The performances- not the most convincing because it seems enough the presence of Nicholas Duvauchelle - a sort of James Dean - and Clemence Poesy. But the great error is the absence of coherence. It seems a puzzle with improvised pieces. And the emotion is lost. Maybe, in this case, the words are alive against images who are almost neutral. The good points - Jean - Pierre Marielle as Monsieur de Galais and the locations. And, sure, maybe Jean Baptiste Maunier. For the memories about Les Choristes.

Only the 1967 movie is the magic that stays with you your entire life.

As soon as our group in high school heard that it had come to New York, we took the train in and watched it. I was smitten by the visual emotionality of the film, not the characters playing in it. E, liked the colors and the washes of color that she perceived. No we didnt do drugs. G was the photographer and he stayed for two showings. The dreamlike scenes in the film have woven their wwy into the rest of his life photography. GS didnt appreciate the music, I thought it was just background. GS is an international conductor and composer . We are all nearing the ending of our lives, but somehow this film became part of our makeup. Truly a strange and connected event. I wish I could see it again, but not the junky 2006 remake. I also want it in English or English captioning.... so long I have been searching.

Jean - Pierre Marielle is only actor at perfect place. Otherwise, fragile attempts to suggest the atmosphere of novel. Essence is lost. Game is childish. And the first purpose - invitation to discover the world from Alain-Fournier masterpiece is only smoke. But far from book, it is not a seductive movie. Silhouette of James Dean for Meaulnes is not good option. Mysteries are slices from another stained. France of village is just sketch. And final impression is strange - desire of a director to recreate an universe for new title in his movies list. No doubts, Le grand Meaulnes is not easy prey for adaptations. But this fact may be encouragement. Or curse. So, fragile thing has need gentle hands and refined minds.

This early Nicolas Duvauchelle's role is the big grab for him, he literally steals, robs the whole film. He is awesome, terrific in this not less outstanding character, for which the choice was excellent. I like this kind of story which describes the life in France, in the countryside, a very long time ago, the early years of the 1900's. This is a fascinating story, despite the absence of suspense. It is riveting, thanks again to Nicolas Duvauchelle who gives here a very promising performance that won't deceive us for the rest of his career. Not for all audiences though, only for specific ones and also audiences fond of French classic literature.

One can't predict all the twists and turns life can take. Some things are within our power to change and some things just aren't. And this movie depicts that brilliantly.