Breeson Films

Diary of A Country Priest (1951) Breeson. Interesting story of a young French Priest and his life in the French Countryside. Breeson gets a superb performance out of the lead, and the other actors are very lifelike. As expected for Breeson, the movie takes a grim, rather austre view of the Church and life in rural France, but like Winter Light I found it uplifting and positive overall. Rating ***1/2

Au hasard Balthazar (1966) Another "art" film - I've put off seeing because of its bleak subject matter. Further, Breeson's other films have bored me. This one is different. The story is sad one as we follow a donkey (Balthazar) from owner to owner but its also very moving and poetic. I loved how Breeson tells the story in such a pure, simple manner. If only Breeson had let in more sunshine and light- I would have enjoyed it much more. ***1/2

 A Man Escaped (1956) Breeson. Story of a French Resistance fighter who escapes from a German Jail. Given its high reputation I was looking forward to this and it didn't disappoint. Breeson kept me in suspense the whole time (even though I knew the ending). A perfect example of how to make a good movie on a low budget. The only flaw is this type of movie - while well done its just an escape movie. Rating ***

The Pickpocket (1959) - Breeson. Story of an isolated loner in Paris who decides to earn a living as a Pickpocket. The sense of danger and alienation are shown extremely well. Seems like a Dostovesky short story.Rating ***