A Man Escaped

Legacy

Have you ever heard of the classic French movie, A Man Escaped? It was released in 1957 and was nominated for an Academy Award. You may be wondering, what made this film so special that it was nominated? Well, the film captures a powerful story of one mans struggle against seemingly insurmountable odds. It also features some of the most iconic shots in cinematic history. The films director, Robert Bresson, was widely praised for his use of sound, minimal dialogue, and camera work. Ultimately, the films nomination was a testament to the power of its storytelling and its emotional impact.

Ranked #16 on Sight & Sound’s 2012 list of greatest films of all time

Ranked #16 on Sight & Sound’s 2012 list of greatest films of all time, its clear that A Man Escaped (1957) has earned its place in the history books. But what is it about this classic French Resistance drama that has earned it such a revered status? Is it the films powerful, minimalist storytelling, its nuanced exploration of faith, or its uncompromising realism? Well let you be the judge.

A.O. Scott of The New York Times

A.O. Scott of The New York Times is a well-known film critic, and his opinion of A Man Escaped (1957) is one worth noting. He describes it as a work of spiritual and practical strength, a mesmerizing study of a man in crisis. Scott goes on to praise director Robert Bresson’s austerely majestic direction and says the film is endlessly rewarding.

He adds that the meticulous attention to detail and the plain beauty of the images make it a timeless classic. But what does Scott think of the films main character, Fontaine? He says he embodies a kind of stoic courage and patience that no amount of adversity can break.

Ultimately, A.O. Scott of The New York Times finds A Man Escaped to be one of the greats, praising it as a film of remarkable formal and emotional power.