A tribute to a great director
In 1901, a man was born who would go on to become one of the most influential filmmakers of his time in his lifetime: Robert Bresson.
Bresson's films are austere in tone but powerful in expression. It is precisely the minimal use of images and sound that invites one to look beyond what is visible on the surface; behind the everyday lies a deeper meaning. To illustrate that, Rialto is screening seven of his films this summer - a tribute to a great director.
WWII: resistance fighter Fontaine is captured by the Germans, imprisoned and sentenced to death. Very patiently he works on his escape, until he gets a new cellmate.
Michel needs money and believes he can steal it from others. He even apprentices himself to an experienced pickpocket. Meanwhile, his mother is seriously ill.
The children Jacques and Marie look after the donkey Balthazar. When they have to move, the animal goes to nearby farmers. A difficult time starts for the donkey.
Things are not going well for teenage girl Mouchette anyway, but they get worse when poacher Arsène, who may have killed someone, asks her to provide him with an alibi.
A young woman robs herself of life, her sad husband asks why in this story of jealousy, possessiveness and inability. It was not a happy marriage.
Twenty-something Charles is gloomy about the state of the world. Wherever he looks, everywhere he sees chaos and moral decay. Who is responsible for this? The devil, perhaps?
A story about greed. Through the intermediary, young Norbert gets his hands on a counterfeit 500-franc bill. When he pays with it, he sets in motion a series of disastrous events.