Grand Ilusion (1937)
Director: Jean Renoir
Screenwriters: Charles Spaak and Jean Renoir
Historical Context
With war clouds once again gathering in Europe, Renoir seemed to feel the need to appeal to the common humanity of the European people, hoping against hope that reason and humanity might yet prevail against the rapacious nationalism and militarism that threatened to carry the day. Beginning with a comparatively modest idea of chronicling the exploits of a pilot he had known during World War I, Renoir ended up weaving a complex skein of complementary characters into one of world cinema’s most enduring anti-war statements.
Narrative Context
Much of the script’s structure revolves around counterpoint – balancing one element against its complement. One example is the idea of children playing at being soldiers versus soldiers playing like children. What are some other examples?
This is film about war, and yet there are no battle scenes, and only one action scene (the escape from Winterborn). Why?
How is the characterization of Marechal established? How is the characterization of Boeldieu established? How is the characterization of von Rauffenstein established? How is the characterization of Rosenthal established?
Why do Boeldieu and von Rauffenstein seem so closely bonded, given their status as enemy combatants? How is this relationship underlined in the film?
Rhetorical Context
What is the meaning of the film’s title? How many illusions can you see portrayed in the film?
In what ways does the film present a critique of warfare?
In what ways does Renoir suggest the importance of our common humanity over that which divides us?
Grand Illusion was banned in Germany and Italy during the Second World War. The Nazis went out of their way to confiscate and destroy all prints, and attempted to destroy the negative. Why do you think Hitler and Mussolini were so determined to prevent this film from being seen?
Aesthetic Context
Renoir is known for using long takes and composition in depth in preference to intercutting. How does that camera technique influence his presentation of this story?
