L'uomo dal cranio rasato

The first film by André Delvaux already showed his touch : a fascinating blend of dream and reality ;even the most mundane scene looks strange :the hairdresser, the graduation ceremony ;as for that in which the lawyer meets the beautiful woman who's become a famous actress ,it may be only a dream ,or should I say a dream which turns nightmare ...The scene in the cemetery ,the autopsy, which takes place in real time ,is the turning point of the movie ; a somber meditation on life and death follows ;even beauty goes the way of all flesh in what is finally a story of amour fou. The movie in which Govert may (or may not) see Fran,is it reality ?;a fascination for celluloid pictures will come back in "un soir un train" , one of my all time favorite films ; to a person who would like to discover André Delvaux , I suggest he begin with this latter movie, more accessible ; then "rendez-vous à Bray"; and to complete this trilogy of dreamlike movies, this one.

Belgian cinema isn't exactly world renowned but this is one pretty classy and well made, little, unknown movie that is definitely worth seeing.

It's a movie told in a very simplistic form, with only a handful of characters and a pretty straight-forward story. I don't say this as a negative aspect really, since it actually is what makes this movie so great and powerful to watch.

I loved the inner conflict of the main character. He's a middle-aged, married with children, very average looking schoolteacher, that has fallen in love with one of his young students (played by a 28-year old by the way). He knows that it's wrong, which is also one of the reasons why he doesn't pursue her but that doesn't make him less in love with her of course. He wants to tell her everything and be next to her all the time but yet he is holding back, even on graduation day, when he knows that afterward she will be gone from his life. It's like his heart and mind are in constant battle with each other and his reasoning keeps wining it. However because of this he also is never truly happy.

And this are only the first 15 minutes of the movie or so. It's a very rich movie, filled with all different kinds of psychological dramatical elements, that mostly play out in the main character's mind, without given him that much dialog. In that regard it also is a real subtle movie, filled with some subtle little characteristics and mannerisms that show what must be going on in the main character's mind at the moment. A great accomplishment- and collaboration between director André Delvaux and actor Senne Rouffaer.

During some of the movie its scenes, you could also definitely tell André Delvaux had a background in documentary film-making. The movie has some beautiful looking and setup moments, that also at the same time feel like something highly unusual and original, especially for its time. It helps to give the movie some unforgettable moments and help to make it all work out all the more powerful and effective.

The movie also has some twists in it, that really come out of nowhere but therefore of course work out all the better. It makes the movie its script also more intelligent than it perhaps might seem at first sight. It's a powerful and multi-layered movie, that however luckily never becomes an heavy or difficult one as well to watch.

A movie well worth searching out.

8/10

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summary: A schoolteacher (Miereveld or "nest of ants") is entranced by one of his students (Fran). Not being able to have his love fulfilled he tries to escape it and moves house and job. Working for the justice department he is invited by the coroner to join a post mortem examination which leads to an encounter with his former student and the possibility to no longer escape his love.

review: The theme of escape is very prevalent throughout all facets of this movie. The off-voice narration creates a sort of detachment that reflects the detachment of the character with reality and even with the feelings inside him. Seldom the characters speak while facing the camera and the music is a wonderful accompaniment to the narrative: fairy-like and enchanting or confusing and detached. As the inner feelings and reflections of the characters are the main subject of this movie, it is strongly narrative driven rather than driven by actions and therefor it might not suit every 21st century viewer. But I strongly urge people to allow themselves to follow the reflections and balance on the stream of consciousness of the characters and see where it takes them. Near the end different elements fall into place although it may be a place that not everyone likes or even understands. Strong visuals, strong music, strong acting, but not suitable for a day when you're on the couch struck by the flu.

There is an old Sufi saying that goes "Man is asleep in a nightmare of unfulfilled desires". Never has a film been made that better captured this sentiment.

To say much more would detract from the experience of appreciating the movie, except perhaps pointing out the following: This film is listed in "1001 Movies you must see before you die". Like many of the more obscure films that make the list, this one is saturated in mood. This particularly unique mood is exuded from the first frame to the very last. It draws you in and will likely stick with you long after the viewing.