Visages d'enfants

In all the decades since, countless are those films to have been made that played with similar narrative ideas, whether as a comedy, a drama, or any other genre. Strained family dynamics, especially with step-parents or step-siblings, have been the fuel for many a feature. This 1925 French movie, though, seems to be well ahead of the curve for its timeframe, and despite some lighter moments is arguably heavier in its application of dramatic beats than many of its spiritual successors. This is indisputably thanks in part to the locale selected for the setting, and more to the point for filming on location, which join hand in hand to build the severity of the tale to unfold. The set design is lovely, to be sure, yet there can be no mistaking that the surrounding environs where Jacques Feyder set up shop are one of the chief attractions, are the plot is tailor-made for the mountainous region. Such as it is 'Visages d'enfants' may not be immediately striking, but like no few other pictures (of the silent era not least) it proves its strength naturally as the length progresses. Honestly, this is a superb movie, and it holds up terrifically even almost 100 years later.

There are many other instances among silent films where acting was characterized by exaggerated body language and facial expressions, a holdover from the stage and compensation for lack of sound and verbal dialogue. In increasing bits and pieces as the medium developed, however, heading into and past the advent of talkies, performances were gradually defined by more natural, nuanced comportment. It's to the credit of everyone involved here, both the cast and director Feyder, that these portrayals mostly fall into the latter category. This is true for all on hand, though of everyone, I'm actually of the opinion that it's the children who stand out most. Jean Forest and Arlette Peyran especially demonstrate controlled range and subtlety in their acting that feels advanced for their youth, and I can't help but be impressed. After all, it's the kids who are the emotional heart of the picture; this could have succeeded without them, as other titles have, but it definitely wouldn't have been the same.

Feyder, meanwhile, illustrates fine skill in orchestrating shots and scenes - not just in terms of taking advantage of the natural surroundings, but in generally ensuring scenes carried all the greatest impact that they could without becoming melodramatic or maudlin. With that said, 'Visages d'enfants' is also a major credit to cinematographers Léonce-Henri Burel and Paul Parguel, who play with techniques that certainly seem novel even for 1925, well after cinema had already been around for awhile. Their methods of filming at night or in the dark, providing a unique first-person point of view, or letting the camera move, and close-ups and more, show an ingenuity that enterprising filmmakers were still mostly just irregularly toying with. Taken together with the filming locations and the production design, the end result is often a mind for perspective that surpasses the more rudimentary photographic foundations that were more common even just a few years before.

If I have any critique to make, it might be that as much as the first half of the picture struggles slightly with tone. At some points it seems to be slanted toward being more of a comedy, or a comedy-drama, which doesn't mesh with the story beats that initially present. It rather comes across at first that Pierre and Jeanne are both just bad parents who don't communicate with their children, or about their children, and who don't necessarily respect Jean and Pierrette's grieving process. Such concerns melt away as the plot progresses, and the back half is as compelling and heartfelt as what one might hope of any feature, but all the same, the disparity is noticeable. Even with that in mind, though, the subjective imperfections or weaknesses are mild and minimal, and by and large the movie is outstanding. From writing and direction, to acting and all those contributions from behind the scenes, it's smartly made with unquestionable care and skill. Any comparisons that may come to call in no way diminish the value of what Feyder's work has to offer: 'Visages d'enfants' is an excellent silent classic that deserves recognition, and is well worth two hours of anyone's time to check out.

Perhaps I am wrong but it seems to me that having once been counted among the great quintet of 'classic' French film directors, the reputation of Jacques Feyder has dwindled somewhat. This might be due in part to the fact that only one of his films is readily available, the miraculous 'La Kermesse Heroique'. Happily 'Visages d'enfants' which apparently flopped at the box office, has been wonderfully restored and gives us the chance to see the incredible images captured by one of the finest cinematographers of them all, Leonce-Henri Burel. Both Feyder and his wife Francoise Rosay had a hand in the writing. The film is aptly named as the faces of the child actors are magnificent. Their performances show a maturity way beyond their years. As far as I am aware Pierette Houyez made only four films and Arlette Peyran none but this. As for Jean Forest he was a truly amazing find, having been cast by Feyder as the newsboy in 'Crainquebille' in 1922. He did not alas make a successful 'transition' and made his last film at the age of twenty-three before going into radio. Such a pity as he possessed a natural sensibility that cannot be acquired. This is a tender, heartfelt and beautiful film that leaves a deep impression.

This is a unique silent film--partly because of its location and partly because of the story. While "The Faces of Children" was a French-made film, the movie was shot in the French-speaking portion of Switzerland. This provided a wonderful backdrop for the story--with lovely mountains and rustic scenery. As for the story, it was much more personal and sweet than you'd typically see and was very compelling.

The film begins with a funeral. The Mayor's wife has just died--leaving him and his two children behind. After trying to make a go of it, the man realizes he needs a mother for his children and proposes to a local widow--who herself has a young daughter. But, unlike the Brady Bunch, this new blended family did not magically work out--as the parents, in hindsight, did a pretty lousy job of breaking this to the kids--in particular, the 12 year-old boy. It actually came to him as a bit of s surprise--and to make matters worse, they gave his old bedroom to his new step-sister and sister. You could understand how the kid could feel alienated. Over the next few months, the boy (Jean) had a hard time adjusting. Much of his anger was displaced on his step-sister. Ultimately, this resulted in two near-tragedies.

Overall, a very good story that doesn't get too schmaltzy and has a lot of nice action. Well-paced, nice cinematography and very good acting by the children--this one is well worth seeing.

By the way, while it doesn't significantly harm the picture, like many of the silents, a small portion of the film has severely degraded. This is very normal and the damage is minimal but pretty obvious when it occurs. The old nitrate film stock was very unstable and tended to turn to powder, liquefy or even explode!

In the mountains of Saint-Luc, devastated pre-teen Jean Forest (as Jean Amsler) attends the funeral of his mother. Too young to understand, little sister Pierrette Houyez (as Pierrette) happily plays at home. She will be told mother is on a trip. Despondent father Victor Vina (as Pierre) is especially concerned about raising his girl without a mother. Soon, he passes on visiting his deceased wife's grave with son Jean to spend time with neighboring widow Rachel Devirys (as Jeanne Dutois). They are married and Ms. Devirys moves in with her own daughter, Arlette Peyran (as Arlette). Shuttled away for the wedding, Jean resents the intrusion...

This excellent silent is almost derailed in the early running. Specifically, it is when young Jean is determined too sensitive to attend his father's second marriage and sent off to live with his godfather (Henri Duval). The kindly priest's mission is to break the news to Jean gently, and return him within a month. It ends with Mr. Duval dropping Jean off some distance from his house; the boy walks home, alone and unannounced. Then Duvall, presumably a close family friend, is not seen again. All in all, this is a strange way for the adults in this drama to treat a child. It illustrates isolation, of course, but could have been left out or done more eloquently...

However, there are no problems understanding this story. In the opening, director Jacques Feyder crushes the screen with the dead mother's coffin, which we see through the eyes of her son. The death of a parent and introduction of a replacement has a profound effect on young Jean. We feel the full weight of that casket. Performers, especially the children, are captured acting naturally. Location photography of the Swiss Alps is beautiful, especially as set up and angled by Mr. Feyder and his crew. The indoor/outdoor sets are terrific, also. And, the ending approaches D.W. Griffith's "Way Down East" (1920) in icy edited excitement.

******** Visages d'enfants (1/24/25) Jacques Feyder ~ Jean Forest, Victor Vina, Rachel Devirys, Henri Duval

I was extremely blessed to see the U.S. television debut of Visages d'enfants on Turner Classic Movies. My god, this was a masterpiece. Why can't contemporary films be half as good? The children were superb! The acting was magnificent. I thought Jean Forest was astonishing as Jean. Such superb acting from a 12 year old. His performance in the first five minutes of the film is exquisite. I thought Arlette Peyran, portraying Jean's step-sister was magnificent as well. I was just depressed to learn that this was her only film! How unfortunate. She had star written all over her. The adult actors are wonderful. I loved Rachel Devirys portrayal of the step-mother. Such love and grace in that performance. The scenery (all shot on location in the Alps) is glorious. This was a perfect film. The music was heavenly. PLEASE SEE THIS FILM.