Boudu Saved From Drowning

I'm Back! And though I now have plenty to talk about I seem to be short on time so I will try to be as quick as possible.
First up I need to talk about a true cinematic gem, Jean Renoir's 1932 film Boudu Saved from Drowning (Boudu suave des eaux).
This film is really spectacular. It is one of the several classic films that Renoir would direct during the 1930's. Other films from this period are La Chienne, A Day in the Country, Le Crime de Monsieur Lang, La Grande Illusion, La Bete Humaine, and The Rules of the Game, to name a few. Each of which I would strongly recommend. But first let me elaborate on why you must see Boudu.


Michel Simon is Boudu a Parisian Bum who jumps off a bridge and is quickly saved by Edouard Lestingois, a kindly well-to-do Book store owner, who invites Boudu to live in his house with his wife and servants. But this is no Pygmalion.

The diff- erences in social classes is hardly a new theme in film or art in general, nor was it when Renoir directed this film. Then why does this film feel so fresh unique? I feel that it is partly in how light-handed this film is. No one is judged. Lestingios, and his family are shown to be a little more reserved, but they aren't particularly stuffy, and they are shown be generous and considerate in rescuing and housing Boudu. But on that note, the Lestingois' seem to be fascinated by Boudu as if they were studying a wild animal. Boudu on the other hand is both full of life an sexual energy, arousing both desire and ire in the occupants of the household. But even Boudu seems unbearable to live with and certainly only masochist would continue to let him live in the house.

Renoir's use of Paris locations and live sound give this film a documentary like sense of reality. The parks, the sounds of traffic people chattering and birds chirping, all enrich this film with a vibrancy unusual in most films. Michel Simon's performance cannot be praised enough, Boudu practically jumps off the screen. He is almost constantly moving, and is usually crawling over furniture and other objects like a wild animal. Michel Simon's energetic performance is truly wonderful, even 70+ years later he still seems fresh and exciting.

If this film sounds to old for you, I would recommend watching the 1986 remake called Down and Out in Beverly Hills. Well, I really better go. I'll be back soon!