Le Silence De La Mer

(aka 'The Silence of the Sea')

Directed by Jean-Pierre Melville
France 1949

Melville's extraordinary first feature, an adaptation of Vercors' classic novella about the French Resistance, is in effect a triangular drama in which two people don't speak. A German officer (Vernon), convalescing from a wound, is billeted on an elderly Frenchman (Robain) and his niece (Stéphane). Respecting their obstinate refusal to address the hated invader, he meets their silence with a series of monologues, apparently ignored, in which he recalls his life before the war and all the things he values; but what he reveals about himself causes the girl to fall in love, without being able to declare her feelings. Filmed in the most daring way imaginable, using a new cinematic language of transient expressions and glances, the film was a root influence on Bresson and the whole French New Wave.

Excerpt from TimeOut Film Guide located HERE

Posters

Theatrical Release: April 22nd, 1949

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DVD Review: Eureka - Master's of Cinema - Region 2 - PAL

DVD Box Cover		CLICK to order from:
Distribution	Eureka - Master's of Cinema - Region 2 - PAL
Runtime	1:23:33
Video	1.33:1 Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 6.62 mb/s PAL 720x576 25.00 f/s
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate:
Audio	French (Dolby Digital 1.0)
Subtitles	English, None
Features	Release Information: Studio: Eureka - Master's of Cinema Aspect Ratio: Original Aspect Ratio 1.33:1 Edition Details: • Video Discussion by Ginette Vincendeau (21:58) • 56-page liner notes booklet DVD Release Date: June 25th, 2007 Transparent Keep Case Chapters: 14

Comments:

Aside from some heavy vertical scratches - present in the beginning of the presentation - the MoC image quality is quite exceptional. Strong contrast and shadow detail and at times the transfer looks remarkably sharp. I see some, fairly unnoticeable, artifacts and nitrate blemishes but considering the age of the film (and its probable print condition) one would expect many more. This is a dual-layered, progressive digital presentation that exports the film's intent very clearly and it is much appreciated to have it now on DVD. Audio is a notch below what one might expect from MoC but aside from an extensive, and costly, restoration this is a very acceptable presentation. Optional English subtitles support the single channel French audio.

Supplements include Ginette Vincendeau, professor of French cinema at King's College -London (and author of Jean-Pierre Melville: An American in Paris) discussing the merits of both the film and director Melville. It is over 20 minutes and she is a bona-fide expert who transmits some excellent information further to appreciation of La Silence de la Mer. Typical of MoC releases they have also included and extensive booklet with essays by Rui Nogueira and Ginette Vincendeau. There are also a couple of pages of small photos.