The Silence of the Sea (1949)
The French drama film The Silence of the Sea (1949) is Jean-Pierre Melville’s directorial debut. It is based on the book of the same name by Jean Bruller, published in 1942. Set in occupied France in 1941, the story follows a retired man and his adult niece who share a house in a small village. Their peaceful coexistence is disrupted when they are forced to accommodate Werner von Ebrennac, a German lieutenant with a limp. Despite their mutual dislike for him, they silently agree to never speak or acknowledge his presence. The officer often joins them by the fire at night, dressed first in uniform and later in civilian clothes. He engages them in a one-sided conversation using his fluency in French to reveal that he is an unmarried composer and admires French literature and culture more than his own (except for music). This is his first visit to France after years of studying and appreciating its culture.
In his unwavering allegiance to Hitler, he envisions a Nazi takeover as an opportunity for France and Germany to form a lasting partnership that would benefit all. He often reiterates this point, comparing it to the transformation of Beauty and the Beast (with Germany representing the beast, who only needs acceptance from France to become a prince). Werner frequently gazes fondly at the niece while extolling the virtues of her country, though she remains stubbornly silent. However, her fingers occasionally betray her burgeoning emotions with a slight tremble. Taking some leave in the spring, Werner spends two weeks in Paris. Upon his return to the village, the uncle and niece are initially unaware of his presence for over a week. Eventually, he knocks on their door one night and only enters after the uncle breaks his silence and invites him inside.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
| Cast: |
Howard Vernon
Nicole Stéphane
Jean-Marie RobainThe French drama film The Silence of the Sea (1949) is Jean-Pierre Melville’s directorial debut. It is based on the book of the same name by Jean Bruller, published in 1942. Set in occupied France in 1941, the story follows a retired man and his adult niece who share a house in a small village. Their peaceful coexistence is disrupted when they are forced to accommodate Werner von Ebrennac, a German lieutenant with a limp. Despite their mutual dislike for him, they silently agree to never speak or acknowledge his presence. The officer often joins them by the fire at night, dressed first in uniform and later in civilian clothes. He engages them in a one-sided conversation using his fluency in French to reveal that he is an unmarried composer and admires French literature and culture more than his own (except for music). This is his first visit to France after years of studying and appreciating its culture.
In his unwavering allegiance to Hitler, he envisions a Nazi takeover as an opportunity for France and Germany to form a lasting partnership that would benefit all. He often reiterates this point, comparing it to the transformation of Beauty and the Beast (with Germany representing the beast, who only needs acceptance from France to become a prince). Werner frequently gazes fondly at the niece while extolling the virtues of her country, though she remains stubbornly silent. However, her fingers occasionally betray her burgeoning emotions with a slight tremble. Taking some leave in the spring, Werner spends two weeks in Paris. Upon his return to the village, the uncle and niece are initially unaware of his presence for over a week. Eventually, he knocks on their door one night and only enters after the uncle breaks his silence and invites him inside.
