Review of Murmur of the Heart (1971) by Mark A — 03 Oct 2008

The father is a cold fish, the mother a passionate woman, and the three boys are largely uncontrolled and uncontrollable. Were french school boys really that loutish in 1954? For all of their bad behaviour, this was a captivating film.

Interwoven with the comedy was a subtle political thread that offered a counterpoint to the main story line. Laurent is not sure what he wants, but knows that he is not content. The story moves slowly until what had to be a shocking ending when it was released, but seems cinematically tame by today's standards.

And then it moves lightning fast. In the end, Laurent proves his manhood and is accepted into the company of men by his brothers and his father and with the quiet approval of his mother. Tender and sweet at times, it evokes a time and place unfamiliar to us, but is the better for it.