Is Paris Burning?

January 3rd, 2010

Jean-Paul Belmondo heads the star-studded cast (which includes Charles Boyer, Kirk Douglas and Alain Delon) in this drama directed by Rene Clement and co-written by, among many others, Francis Ford Coppola and Gore Vidal. Although World War II is nearly over, the Germans wage one last effort at destruction in Paris. But the French Resistance won’t let them win — not when Allied victory is so close at hand.

In 1967 MAD MAGAZINE spoofed this movie and called it IS PARIS BORING? When I remember reading that issue I was not patient enough to sit down and watch a three hour movie about the liberation of Paris. Since I am significantly older, and hopefully wiser than in 1967, I decided to FINALLY watch this famous war story. I was overwhelmed not only with the filming which is extraordinary but the exciting plot of how competing branches of the French Resistance along with Allied forces liberated Paris. Directed by Rene Clement, the filmmaker who made FORBIDDEN GAMES and GERVAISE, and a screenplay by Gore Vidal and Francis Ford Coppula, it is not surprising a cast of outstanding French, American and German actors decided to come on board. Marcel Grignon was the credited cinematographer whose task was great but the final product proved what a creative and excellent cinematographer he was. Clement chose no less than 180 different sites for filming. The last panoramic view of the liberation will literally bring tears to your eyes. Not only are you given a great visual but you are made to feel what the Parisians and the entire country of France must have been feeling at that very moment. The concept that Hitler ordered Gen. Von Cholitiz to burn Paris to the ground knowing the Germans were losing the war reveals what kind of a monster he was. However, in this movie you understand the personal conflict this general had, realizing he did not want to be the one responsible for destroying one of the most beautiful cities on the face of the earth. This is a passionate story much like the story of D Day. The musical score by Maurice Jarre is also worth noting as it is memorable. The only negative in this film is the dubbing. This was a time Americans were too lazy to read subtitles. You can view it in English or French. Do Not Miss this film of how freedom fighters won a great victory which was very strategic for ending WWII. BRAVO!!