BBC's Arena pays a sort of tribute to film director Louis Malle following the same concept as "My Dinner with Andre", with actor/playwright
Wallace Shawn inquiring Malle about his career and some of his highlight works while they're at a restaurant. We don't get to see the meals and drinks, but Mr. Malle offers some great insights on works such as "The Lovers", "Atlantic City", "Murmur of the Heart", "Pretty Baby" and others.
A somewhat interesting experience to be seen as there are many curious and intelligent insights as the man reveals that his body of work
feels like a mirror to himself, his interests and the challenges he wants audiences to follow through. Obviously it cannot be exactly like Shawn/Andre Gregory screenplay with many flights of imaginative stories or long responses to a question - which may disappoint those wanting a closer look on Mr. Malle's life.
As for the films, some of his opinions and thoughts are really gripping - on the whole scandal generated with "The Lovers" in India, or describing his method of work with newcomer Pierre Blaise in "Lacombe Lucien" (a film I particularly didn't like, but after seeing the director's view and why the film may get lost with some audiences, it will grant a revisit from me); and his honest opinions on the amazing "Le Feu Follet".
But this Arena special loses itself with some small ramblings and it skips some of the director's films (the incredible film noir "Elevator to the Gallows" was a major omission), and Wallace Shawn's presence while narrating and recreating the inquisitive character, could only serve a
better and higher purpose if the man himself had watched all of Malle's films and interject some thoughts on them, with both parties challenging each other. He tries a little, but it doesn't stay with us like his rebuttal of Gregory's experiences. A good companion piece to get to know a great and talented director. 7/10.
