A gunshot rings out and a man stumbles through an apartment doorway, falling down dead. His killer remains behind the door of the apartment, which is quickly under siege from the gendarmes. As neighbours gossip about what a happy and decent man he once was, the killer reflects on events that have brought him to this dark place, and a fated love affair that continues to spur him on.

Arguably the pinnacle of the poetic realism movement that emerged in France during the 1930s, Marcel Carné’s Le Jour se lève remains an intensely romantic, emotionally engaging film, while its innovative flashback structure still intrigues and delights, despite having inspired any number of films since its release. The incomparable Jean Gabin is mesmerising as the man who takes desperate measures to protect the woman he loves, trapped between four walls as a consequence. (Notes by Michael Hayden.)

IFI FRENCH FILM CLUB
IFI French Film Club screening will take place on October 7th at 18.30. Tickets €7 for IFI and Alliance Française members. Join the IFI French Film Club newsletter!

Don’t forget we now schedule weekly.