Review of Au Hasard Balthazar (1966) by Lynda M — 10 Jan 2009

Bresson used to get his actors to say the dialogue over and over until there is no 'acting' left. This makes his film possess a transcendent emotional quality since we are not told what to feel and as a result we gain a deep seated empathy towards the characters by reflecting on their circumstances.

In this sense the Donkey is the perfect vehicle for this Bresonian masterpiece. The central character's acceptance of its fate in which it has no control becomes profoundly moving.