Review of Au Hasard Balthazar (1966) by Mark F — 24 Oct 2007
Too much emphasis is placed on the religious allegorical aspects of this film. Yes, they're present, but mostly because we supply them. Bresson staunchly refuses to anthropomorphize Balthazar; however, sometimes we can't help but do it for him.
One of the reasons I love this film is because Bresson refuses to help the viewer in any way - there are no easy answers, no clear solutions, and ultimately the only real meaning in the film is supplied by what we bring to it.
There are so many beautiful moments in this film, but it's not Hollywood beauty. It's not even Days of Heaven beauty. It's beauty of the soul - that's what Bresson captures, and that's why he's known as such a profoundly religious filmmaker.
This review of Au Hasard Balthazar (1966) was written by Mark F on 24 Oct 2007.
Au Hasard Balthazar has generally received very positive reviews.
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