Review of 49th Parallel (1941) by A A — 26 Sep 2007

I was a little concerned that a black and white Powell and Pressburger film might not have anything for me. That might seem a little silly, especially if you've never seen The Red Shoes or Black Narcissus, but color is such an essential part of the language of the Archers' films.

Unexpectedly, I found a film that was a little dusty and dated, but with a more than healthy breath of life. 49th Parallel is a propaganda film, no doubt about it, populated with frustrating stereotypes and impassioned speeches straight out of third grade social studies class.

I've got to say, Laurence Olivier's performance is absolutely horrific. His brief supporting part as a French-Canadian trapper is so overblown and absurd that you literally feel embarrassed watching it.

I never say things like this, but I was relieved to see his character die. Another thing: this is an anti-Reich story told from the point of view of a group of Nazis. Risky choice, huh? I could never imagine Eisenstein doing something like that.

Godard has turned tables like that often, but I can't help but sense that Powell seems to be pressing and encouraging these German soldiers toward some kind of humanistic epiphany (though in vain), whereas Godard simply enjoys watching his characters drown in their own ignorance.